Uncover the Rosalie Moller: A Deep Red Sea Wreck Dive
- Written:
- By Christian Llewellyn
Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue our work—thank you for your support!
Introduction to the Rosalie Moller wreck
The SS Rosalie Moller, lying deep in the waters of the Red Sea, presents a compelling dive destination that draws experienced divers and underwater photographers from around the world. This historic World War II wreck, renowned for its well-preserved condition and challenging dive conditions, offers a dive depth that makes it a must-visit for those seasoned in wreck diving.
The Story Behind the Rosalie Moller
Originally built as the Francis in 1910 by Barclay Curle & Co., Glasgow, the ship was later acquired by the Lancashire Shipping Company in 1931 and renamed the Rosalie Moller. It shifted from serving the coastal routes of Britain and Europe to voyages around China. When World War II erupted, the vessel was conscripted by the British Ministry of Transportation, tasked with ferrying essential supplies, including coal crucial for Royal Navy operations. In mid-1941, loaded with approximately 4,680 tons of coal and destined for Alexandria, the Rosalie Moller anchored in the Gulf of Suez, awaiting permission to pass through the Suez Canal. Tragically, on October 8, 1941, after a sudden airstrike by German Heinkel He 111 bombers, the ship sank swiftly following a critical hit to its starboard side, leading to the loss of two crew members.
The whereabouts of the Rosalie Moller remained unknown until its eventual discovery in 1998. Resting intact at a depth between 40 and 50 meters, the wreck is now enveloped in a rich tapestry of marine life, including vibrant corals that adhere to its structure, providing habitat for diverse marine species. Although subject to strong currents and often limited visibility due to the environmental conditions of the Red Sea, the SS Rosalie Moller continues to be an esteemed dive site, particularly favored for the challenges it poses and the historical allure it retains beneath the waves.
The Stats: Depth, Conditions & Accessibility
12m
Minimum Depth
30m
Maximum Depth
Boat Dive
Dive Type
25m
Visibility
Mar – Nov
Season
22°C - 28°C
Water Temp
Rosalie Moller Photo Gallery
Where Is The Rosalie Moller?
The SS Rosalie Muller, located in the Red Sea near Gobal Island, Egypt, is a must-visit for experienced divers. Access to this dive site is generally facilitated by boat from nearby cities like Hurghada, which is well-equipped with numerous dive shops and tour operators specialising in wreck dives. The region is served by Hurghada International Airport, making it accessible to international travellers. Diving in this area typically requires arrangements with local dive operators who provide boat access and can guide divers through the complexities of navigating around a wreck.
My Experience Diving The Rosalie Moller
Embarking on a journey to explore the historic SS Rosalie Moller in the Red Sea was nothing short of exhilarating. Diving with a well-coordinated group under the guidance of a reputable dive company added an extra layer of comfort and security to the experience. The dive conditions were ideal; calm seas and minimal currents allowed for an unperturbed entry via boat directly above the wreck. Descending into the blue, the first glimpse of the Rosalie Moller’s structure was awe-inspiring, a testament to its poignant history and enduring presence underwater.
Dive SS Rosalie Moller Red Sea proved challenging yet equally rewarding. Delving deeper, the enormity of the wreck unfolded with each meter descended. With a visibility of about 20 meters, the intricate details of the ship’s structure became more apparent, and navigating through the corridors imbued a sense of both mystery and respect for its storied past. Each turn and swim-through was carefully planned to ensure safety and preservation of the wreck’s integrity.
The ascent was gradual and well-paced, allowing ample time to decompress and discuss the dive’s highlights during our surface interval. The journey back to shore was filled with eager conversations about the dive, sharing photos and experiences that emphasized why the Rosalie Moller is a must-visit for wreck enthusiasts. It was a dive that tested skills and enriched knowledge, making it an unforgettable underwater adventure.
My Experience Photographing the Rosalie Moller
Photographing the SS Rosalie Moller in the Red Sea was an experience that merged history with the mesmerizing beauty of the underwater world. Hovering around the humongous structure, which rests solemnly at a depth where light begins to wane, I felt a thrilling blend of adrenaline and reverence. The eerie silence, interrupted only by the sound of my own bubbles, set a profound backdrop as I captured images of the coral-encrusted surfaces, which tell a tale of resilience and transformation. Each frame felt like preserving a piece of history, providing a gateway for those unable to dive into these depths to glimpse the past merging with the present.
My favorite photo from the dive captures the bow of the Rosalie Moller adorned with vivid soft corals, the contrast of rusted metal with vibrant marine life illustrating a poignant juxtaposition of war and peace. The dim light required careful adjustment of my settings, pushing my camera to its limits. This image not only symbolizes the wreck’s tragic past but also its current role as a sanctuary for marine life, making it a powerful reminder of nature’s capacity to reclaim and beautify even the most somber relics.
What You’ll See: Wreck Features & Marine Life
The marine life thriving within and around the SS Rosalie Moller is prolific, turning the wreck into an underwater sanctuary. Divers can expect to see a variety of species that have made the wreck their home, including clouds of colorful anthias buzzing around the coral-encrusted steel structure, and imposing groupers lurking in the shadows. The nooks and crannies of the wreck offer refuge to smaller marine life, providing perfect opportunities for Red Sea wreck photography Rosalie Moller.
With good visibility, the ghostly silhouette of the Rosalie Moller paints a spectacular backdrop for wide-angle photography. Large schools of glassfish flit through its breached hull, and soft corals sway gently in the currents, breathing life into this maritime grave. For those interested in more than just marine biology, the deep dive to the SS Rosalie Moller reveals segments of history frozen in time, an immersive experience that chronicles a vital part of WWII maritime history in the Red Sea. The best time to dive Rosalie Moller is typically during the clearer water months from March to May and from September to November, when visibility is at its peak.
Recommendations for Diving the Rosalie Moller
1. Always check local weather conditions before scheduling your wreck dive to ensure a safe experience.
2. Use the buddy system and make sure both you and your buddy are trained in wreck penetration techniques if planning to go inside the wreck.
3. Familiarise yourself with the layout of the wreck from available maps or guides to plan your dive and navigation points.
4. Carefully monitor your air consumption regularly as wreck dives often involve deeper and potentially longer underwater times.
5. Properly adjust your buoyancy before entering the wreck to avoid touching or disturbing the structure and its fragile ecosystems.
6. Bring a reliable dive light to explore darker parts of the wreck, and ensure it’s fully charged before the dive.
7. Keep a close eye on your depth and time to adhere to safe diving practices and avoid decompression sickness.
8. Pay attention to any potential hazards such as sharp edges, entanglement risks, and loose materials within the wreck.
9. Respect the historical significance of the wreck by not taking any artefacts or causing damage.
10. Debrief with your dive team post-dive to discuss any challenges or remarkable discoveries, enhancing safety for future dives.
Tips for Photographing the Rosalie Moller
1. Use a camera with good low-light performance, as light diminishes quickly at the dive depths of the SS Rosalie Moller.
2. Implement manual white balance settings to adjust for the blue-green tint of the water and bring out the true colors of the wreck.
3. Opt for a wide-angle lens to capture expansive sections of the wreck; this is essential for illustrating the size and scope of the Rosalie Moller.
4. Utilize a high-quality underwater strobe or light to illuminate the darker parts of the wreck and enhance detail in your photographs.
5. Stay aware of your surroundings and maintain good buoyancy to avoid disturbing the marine life or the delicate coral formations growing on the wreck.
6. Plan your dive to coincide with the best visibility conditions, often earlier in the day, which can make a significant difference in the quality of your photographs.
7. Capture images that tell a story, focusing on elements that highlight the historical significance and current ecological role of the SS Rosalie Moller, thus creating a narrative through your lens.
Practical Dive Info & Booking a Trip
Popular dive operators offering trips to SS Rosalie Moller include Red Sea Diving Safari and Emperor Divers. Costs for a guided dive to the Rosalie Moller usually range between $100 and $150, depending on the season and the package you choose. Conservation tip: Ensure no parts of the wreck or its surrounding marine life are disturbed or removed. Maintaining buoyancy and not touching surfaces with your fins or equipment helps preserve the integrity of both the wreck and the thriving coral ecosystems around it.
My Rating & Final Thoughts
Diving the SS Rosalie Moller was an enriching and surreal experience, definitely a highlight for any serious wreck diver. The deep, clear waters of the Red Sea provide an ideal environment to explore the historical vessel, which has become a dynamic reef teeming with marine life. Stepping into the underwater museum of the Rosalie Moller, holding stories of wartime history, was both humbling and exhilarating. This site is perfect for photographers and history enthusiasts alike, offering countless opportunities to capture haunting images of the wreck and its aquatic residents. Overall, this dive is a must-do for those who appreciate wreck diving combined with rich historical context.
8/10
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The visibility at SS Rosalie Moller usually ranges between 15 to 30 meters depending on seasonal conditions. Currents can vary from mild to strong, and it’s generally recommended for advanced divers due to the depth of the wreck, which sits between 30 to 50 meters.
Divers should be experienced, particularly with deep and wreck dives, and equipped with a dive computer, appropriate gases for deeper diving, and redundant air supplies. Additionally, it is recommended to dive with a guide who knows the wreck well to navigate potential hazards such as entanglement or orientation inside the wreck.
The SS Rosalie Moller is teeming with marine life including schools of glassfish, lionfish, and occasionally, barracudas. The wreck itself is encrusted with hard and soft corals, providing habitats for diverse small marine species.
Divers should equip themselves with a standard set of scuba gear, enriched air nitrox for extended bottom times, a reliable dive light to explore darker sections of the wreck, and a surface marker buoy for safety. Using a dive computer to monitor depth and time is also crucial.
Divers should avoid touching or taking anything from the wreck, maintain good buoyancy to avoid disturbing sediments or marine life, and be mindful of the site’s historical significance by treating it with respect.
The optimal diving conditions at SS Rosalie Moller are between May and November when the waters are calmest and the visibility is at its best. However, diving outside this window is possible for those who don’t mind a bit rougher conditions.
Choose operators who have a good track record of deep and wreck dives and those who provide briefings and guides familiar with the site. Operators like Red Sea Explorers and Blue O Two are highly reputed for their services in this area.
The SS Rosalie Moller offers a poignant glimpse into World War II history, remarkably preserved underwater. Unlike shallower wrecks, its deeper location means it receives fewer visitors, offering a more intimate and serene diving experience.
Divers should be certified at least as Advanced Open Water Divers with experience in deep diving. Additional certifications like Wreck Diver or Technical Diver are recommended for those planning extensive exploration inside the wreck.
Diving the SS Rosalie Moller can be a deeply moving experience due to the dramatic history and visible damage from its sinking. Many divers feel a sense of respect and awe exploring this time-capsule, connecting with a pivotal moment in history.
Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue our work—thank you for your support!
