Wreck Dive, Cirkewwa, Malta
Cirkewwa is one of Malta's most popular dive sites, and with its clear water, impressive cliffs and arches, and two famous wrecks, it's easy to see why.
History
The MV Rozi was a tugboat originally called Rossmore. She was built in Bristol, England in 1958 by Charles Hill & Sons. She was later re-named Rossgarth after she was sold to Rea Towing in 1969. The Mifsud Brothers Ltd then bought the tug in 1972.
She was sold to Tug Malta in 1981 and renamed Rozi, before finally being sold to Captain Morgan Cruises who scuttled her as an artificial reef off Cirkewwa in 1992 as an attraction for a tourist submarine. These tours no longer exist today - turns out, running a submarine is quite expensive! - which left the site open to become one of the most popular dive sites here in Malta.
Rozi lies in a sandy bottom of 36m where the bow is at the deepest point. The deck is around 30m deep. The wreck lies just off the reef which makes navigation very simple on return.
The wreck
Rozi lies in a sandy bottom of 36m where the bow is at the deepest point. The deck is around 30m deep. The wreck lies just off the reef which makes navigation very simple on return.
The Rudder is at the stern of the ship and is one of the places that you can find nudibranchs. Scorpion fish have also made this area their home, where you can often find 3 or 4 trying to camouflage against the wreck. This is a very photogenic part of the wreck and if you have a good buddy who likes posing for pictures, this is one spot to grab a few nice photographs.
The bow makes for an impressive sight too, with the Rozi's jagged nose highlighted against the backdrop of the wheelhouse and funnel.
Penetrations
The wreck is good for penetration as there is ample light and a large cargo hold where you can find moray eels hiding or tons of hermit crabs and shrimp. The wheel house is another famous photo area where divers love to act as captains driving the Rozi out to sea.
The reef
The reef close to the Rozi makes a fantastic place for your return journey, allowing you to slowly ascend to a shallower depth whilst searching for marine life and enjoying the natural features. If you have enough gas supply remaining, you can even visit Cirkewwa Arch on the return journey, and there is also the L-cave, a short L-shaped tunnel which can be explored.
Experience Needed
You must be certified to dive to a depth of 30 meters to dive this site. We would also recommend being a Nitrox Diver.
DIVE SITE SPECIFICATION: The Tugboat Rozi
- Location: Cirkewwa, Malta
- Type Of Dive: Shore Dive
- Max Depth: 36m
- Minimum Certification: PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
- For Penetration Dives: PADI Wreck Diver
- Recommended: PADI Deep Diver & PADI Nitrox Diver