Wreck of MS Rigel - Lofoten Islands

The MS Rigel isn’t your average rusty bucket. Plumbed deep in the frigid waters off Rosvikhaugen, this Norwegian cargo ship, torpedoed in 1944, tells a dark, compelling story, even before you dip below the surface. We love how the historical context of the Rigel, a former German troop transport carrying Soviet POWs, adds a sombre weight to the dive. Dropping down, the sheer scale of the Rigel hits you first. She's broken in two, with the bow section relatively intact and the stern more jumbled, creating some genuinely interesting swim-throughs. Keep an eye out for the davits and winches, draped in thick white anemones that glow under your torch. The resident cod are impressively large and don't seem bothered by divers, often hovering just out of arm's reach. Visibility here can be epic on a good day, but even with a bit of particulate, the wreck’s dramatic silhouette is enough to keep you captivated. This is a dive for those who appreciate history as much as marine life, a genuine standout.

Location

Lofoten Islands, Norway, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

65.821110, 12.336111

Type

wreck

Marine Protected Area: Kvikkleirøyran