Wreck of the MV Rozi, Qawra, Malta: a scuttled tugboat reef

The MV Rozi, a 30-meter tugboat, was intentionally scuttled in September 1992 within the Cirkewwa Marine Park, creating one of Malta’s most accessible and popular artificial reefs. Originally built in Bristol in 1958, this vessel, once named Rossmore, was acquired by a Maltese company in 1981 and renamed. It operated in Valletta's Grand Harbour before its deliberate sinking. Today, it rests entirely upright on a sandy bottom, its structure remarkably preserved, making it a primary focus for divers seeking an immersive wreck experience.

Your descent to the Rozi starts with the anchor, often found around 20 meters, about 30 meters from the wreck itself. Following the line down, the tugboat comes into view, sitting squarely on the seabed at a maximum depth of 34 meters. The wreck's depths range from 18 meters at its shallowest points to its deepest point at 36 meters. The stern of the tugboat sits directly on the natural reef, located approximately 100 meters from the entry point. This orientation means you can often begin your dive along the natural wall before turning to encounter the wreck, allowing for exploration of both artificial and natural structures during a single dive.

While the engines and propeller were removed before scuttling, the rest of the vessel is largely intact, allowing for multiple penetration points and a good sense of its original layout. The bridge, engine room, wheelhouse, and various internal compartments are open for exploration, provided you have the appropriate training and equipment for overhead environments. Light still filters into the upper decks and wheelhouse, illuminating the internal architecture and adding to the compact nature of the wreck.

The Rozi is an exceptional habitat for a wide array of marine species, having served as a thriving artificial reef for over three decades. As you approach the wreck, you’ll encounter thousands of small fish schooling around its superstructure. Schools of bream (Diplodus sargus) are commonly encountered, often circling the structure or taking shelter within its holds. This dense aggregation of prey attracts larger predators, creating a dynamic ecosystem. This site regularly hosts groupers, scorpionfish, and barracudas, often seen patrolling the wreck's perimeter. These species have established territories within and around the wreck, a clear sign of a mature artificial reef. Further exploration reveals the specific inhabitants that have colonised the tugboat's surfaces and crevices.

Look closely for damselfish darting in and out of the metalwork, nudibranchs slowly traversing the hull, and moray eels peeking from concealed openings. Occasional sightings of rays gliding across the surrounding sandy bottom or even near the wreck adds another dimension to the dive, showcasing the diversity that gathers around this man-made structure.

The wreck’s position allows for easy shore entry, making it highly accessible for both local and visiting divers. The water column around the Rozi generally maintains excellent visibility, often exceeding 20 meters, which enhances the visual experience of exploring the entire wreck and its detailed features. The ambient light at 34 meters still allows for good appreciation of the wreck’s form, though a dive light is essential for penetrating the darker internal sections and observing the specific fauna sheltering within. What sets the MV Rozi apart is its combination of accessibility, excellent preservation, and rich marine life. Unlike some deeper, more exposed wrecks, the Rozi offers a relatively sheltered environment, allowing divers to spend quality time exploring its every detail. Its deliberate sinking as an attraction means it was prepared to be a diver-friendly site, inviting prolonged exploration without the structural hazards often found in accidental wrecks. This careful preparation is evident in its current state as a vibrant, enduring underwater landmark.