History

The SS Rosslyn was a 3,679-ton steamship built in Cardiff in 1902. Measuring approximately 340 feet (104 metres) in length with a beam of 60 feet (18 metres), the vessel operated as a merchant steamer during the early twentieth century.

In February 1916, while returning from Malta without cargo, the Rosslyn anchored off Gibraltar's South Mole. During the afternoon of 28 February, severe south-westerly winds caused the vessel to drag its anchor and drift towards the harbour defences.

Government tugs attempted to assist the ship but worsening weather conditions prevented any successful salvage operation. Their efforts were instead directed towards rescuing the crew, all of whom were safely evacuated. The abandoned vessel subsequently struck the South Mole and sank the following morning. For a period after the loss, the ship's masts remained visible above the surface before being removed to eliminate a hazard to navigation.

Site Description

Today the wreck rests at the foot of the South Mole's outer slope on a relatively level seabed at a depth of approximately 23 metres, with the stern orientated towards the north.

The bow section remains one of the most impressive parts of the wreck, rising around 10 metres above the seabed while leaning noticeably towards starboard. The starboard anchor still lies beneath the bow attached to its anchor chain. The forward cargo hold is accessible through the open hatch and provides access to former storage compartments and chain lockers within the bow. Original deck equipment, including mooring bollards and cargo winches, also survives.

Moving aft, the central portion of the vessel has suffered greater structural collapse, although substantial sections remain identifiable. Two large main boilers dominate this area, accompanied by a smaller auxiliary donkey boiler positioned above them. Nearby stands the vessel's triple-expansion steam engine, one of the best-preserved examples of this type remaining in Gibraltar's waters and a particularly striking feature of the wreck.

Towards the stern, the propeller shaft remains visible within its tunnel despite the surrounding collapse of the hull. The after holds are relatively open, allowing easy observation of the vessel's internal structure. The stern itself remains largely intact, although it also leans towards starboard. Surviving features include the rudder assembly, steering mechanism, railings, winches and bollards. The original cast-iron propeller shattered when the vessel grounded, and fragments can still be found beneath the stern.

The wreck now supports a thriving marine ecosystem. Dense shoals of small reef fish surround the structure, while moray eels, conger eels, lobsters and numerous invertebrates occupy the many cavities created by the collapsed hull. Colourful marine organisms, including gorgonian sea fans and nudibranchs, have extensively colonised the wreck, adding to its visual appeal.

Further Reading

Those wishing to learn more about the SS Rosslyn and Gibraltar's underwater cultural heritage are encouraged to read Underwater Gibraltar: A Guide to the Rock’s Submerged Sites, by Phil Smith and Darren Fa. The publication provides a detailed account of Gibraltar's historic shipwrecks, underwater archaeological investigations and maritime heritage, and is highly recommended for anyone wishing to explore the subject further. Copies are available from the Gibraltar National Museum, as well as selected booksellers and online retailers.

SS Rosslyn upright bow.

SS Rosslyn.