Dive Site: Rosalie Moller

About Rosalie Moller

The Rosalie Moller is a historic cargo ship wreck located in the northern Red Sea, often visited alongside its more famous sister ship, the SS Thistlegorm. Bombed and sunk by German air attacks in October 1941 while carrying coal, she now rests upright on a sandy seabed, providing a dramatic underwater spectacle. This site is renowned for its historical significance and the fascinating interaction between the wreck and the marine ecosystem it supports. While the deepest point of the wreck is at 55 meters, the main deck is accessible around 35 meters, and the mast reaches up to 18 meters, allowing various depth explorations. Unlike the Thistlegorm, much of the cargo was removed, though divers can still observe significant structural elements like the huge rudder, propeller, and the ship's funnel. The wreck's hard and soft corals attract a diverse array of fish, making it a vibrant artificial reef. The Rosalie Moller is best experienced by advanced divers due to its depth and potential for currents. Visibility can vary, sometimes limited by silt, but it generally offers good conditions for exploring its historical features and abundant marine life. Many divers choose liveaboards to fully appreciate this site, often combining it with other notable wrecks and reefs in the northern Red Sea.

Dive site facts: Rosalie Moller

Depth

18–55 m

Typical dive

35–55 m

Current

Light to strong

Visibility

10–20 m

Water temperature

23–29 °C (73–84 °F)

Entry

Tender / Negative entry

Level

Advanced Divers

Dive type

Wreck, Deep

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Northern Red Sea / Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh

Coordinates

27.8, 33.8833

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the Rosalie Moller are generally gentle, yet occasional strong currents can occur, especially closer to the surface. Divers should be prepared for varying conditions, as strong currents can affect visibility, which typically ranges from 10 to 20 meters due to potential siltation. Entry is usually via tender, and negative entry might be necessary if surface conditions are choppy or currents are present. Due to the depth of the wreck, careful bottom time monitoring and gas planning are crucial for all divers. Surface conditions are generally good for pick-up, even if currents necessitate a drift dive.

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracudas

occasional

Tunas

occasional

Jacks

occasional

Trevallies

occasional

Reef Sharks

occasional

Glassfishes

common

Lionfishes

February–September · common

Groupers

common

Moray Eel

May–July · occasional

Clownfish

May–July · occasional

Angelfish

May–June · rare

Batfish

occasional

Mackerel

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving the Rosalie Moller typically begins with a descent to the mast, which starts at 18 meters. From there, you can explore the main deck at 35 meters. A common route involves moving along the main deck, observing the handrails and any remaining features, then descending deeper to the stern to see the massive rudder and propeller at 55 meters. Penetration into the holds and bridge is possible for appropriately qualified divers, though the interior contains fewer artifacts than some other wrecks. After exploring the deeper sections, ascend gradually back along the wreck’s superstructure towards the mast. The safety stop is usually conducted in the clear water above the wreck, keeping an eye on boat traffic and currents.

Underwater photography

The Rosalie Moller offers fantastic opportunities for wreck photography, especially with its extensive coral growth and schooling fish. Wide-angle lenses are essential to capture the grandeur of the 108-meter-long ship and its key features like the propeller and funnel. For close-ups of the corals and reef fish inhabiting the wreck, a macro lens can be rewarding. Given the depth and varying visibility, strobes or powerful video lights are recommended to bring out the true colors and detail. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid stirring up silt and to protect the delicate corals that have grown on the wreck. Be mindful of other divers, especially in the more accessible penetration points, to allow everyone a chance to capture their shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• SS Thistlegorm

  Another iconic WWII wreck, often visited on the same liveaboard itineraries.

• Abu Nuhas

  Known as the 'ship graveyard' with multiple wrecks, including the Giannis D and Carnatic.

• Ras Mohammed

  A national park with vibrant reefs and walls, including Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef.

• Tiran Island

  Offers impressive reef systems with strong currents, attracting pelagic species.

Getting there & logistics

Access to the Rosalie Moller is primarily via liveaboard trips departing from Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, as it is a significant distance offshore. While day trips are theoretically possible from these ports, they involve a long 3-hour journey each way, making liveaboards the preferred option for a more relaxed and comprehensive experience. Liveaboards exploring the northern Red Sea typically include the Rosalie Moller alongside other famous wrecks like the SS Thistlegorm and the Abu Nuhas wrecks. Many itineraries are 7-night trips, combining wreck diving with reef exploration. There are no specific park fees directly for the Rosalie Moller, but liveaboard costs include all necessary permits and port fees.

Safety & environment

Diving the Rosalie Moller demands advanced diving skills due to its depth and potential for currents. Divers should carry appropriate certifications and ensure their equipment is well-maintained for deep dives. The nearest recompression chambers are located in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. In case of an emergency, evacuation procedures involve transporting the diver by boat to the nearest port for further medical assistance. Comprehensive dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation is mandatory. Adhere strictly to your dive plan, monitor your no-decompression limits, and ascend slowly. Penetration dives should only be attempted by divers with specialized training and equipment, and never alone. Always dive with a reputable liveaboard operator and follow your dive guide's instructions.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Rosalie Moller FAQ

Liveaboards diving Rosalie Moller

These liveaboards may visit Rosalie Moller on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

DUNE Longara

Egypt

30 guests

$155/day

JP Marine

Egypt

28 guests

$109/day

Snefro Pearl

Egypt

12 guests

$150/day

Snefro Love

Egypt

20 guests

$154/day

Sindalahs

Egypt

26 guests38 m

$155/day

Hammerhead II

Egypt

20 guests

$173/day

Blue Liveaboard

Egypt

24 guests43 m

$173/day

Odyssey

Egypt

26 guests40 m

$185/day

Discovery I

Egypt

20 guests

$97/day

Star Jet

Egypt

28 guests35 m

$145/day

SS Serena Dreams

Egypt

18 guests33 m

$159/day

Amelie

Egypt

12 guests23 m

$115/day