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MV Rawnsley

MV Rawnsley Wreck

133m of length, WWII artifacts like bullets and gas masks and the enormous fauna diversity makes MV Rawnsley wreck a unique dive.

Big amberjacks seen in groups of hundreds and Groupers weighing 15-20 kg. Flabellina Nudibranchs, Seahorses and unique visitors like Eagle rays and Trigger fishes are often seen. Dive site is 5 minutes away with the boat and it’s a must for your logbook.

MV Rawnsley Wreck Details:

  • nationality: British
  • purpose: transport
  • type: cargo ship
  • propulsion: motor vessel (diesel)
  • builder: William Doxford & Sons Ltd.,Sunderland
  • date built: 1940
  • date sunk: 1941
  • crew/casualties: unknown
  • tonnage: 4998 grt
  • dimensions : 133.9 x 16.5 x 20 m
  • material: steel
  • engine: 1 diesel engine, single shaft, 1 screw
  • speed: 11 knots
  • yard no.: 661
  • IMO/Off. no.: 165786
  • call sign: GDMD

Historic Log

6th of May 1941

Convoy AN.30 departed Haifa, Palestine and Port Said with streamers LOSSIEBANK (5627 grt), CAPE HORN (5643grt), CITY OF CANTERBURY (8331grt) and RAWNSLEY (4998grt) escorted by sloops GRIMSBY and FLAMINGO for Suda Bay, Chania – North West Crete.

7th of May 1941

Australian destroyers STUART, VAMPIRE and WATERHEN and New Zealand sloop AUCKLAND joined the convoy north of Alexandria on the 7th. The convoy was delayed by engine problems in streamer CITY OF CANTERBURY and then by problems with RAWNSLEY.

8th of May 1941

Italian SM.79 torpedo aircraft of 281 Squadriglia badly damaged RAWNSLEY in 34.59N, 25.46E on the 8th of May 1941. She was taken in tow by sloop GRIMSBY and escorted by destroyer WATERHEN to Ierapetra Bay.

9th of May 1941

Rest of the convoy arrived at Suda Bay

10th of May 1941

Bad weather prevented the ship from being towed further. RAWNSLEY was anchored at Ierapetra Bay and sloop GRIMSBY returned to Alexandria.

12th of May 1941

German bombing sank damaged RAWNSLEY off Ierapetra BAY.

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