This dive site features the British steamship Romanby, a historical WWII wreck located in Narvik harbour, Norway. On April 10, 1940, during the second naval battle between German destroyers and Allied forces, she was anchored when hit by a British destroyer's torpedo and sank. The wreck rests on her keel, spanning depths from 14 to 28 meters, though the maximum diveable depth is stated as 24 meters. Divers can easily observe the extensive torpedo damage on the port side, offering a dramatic visual of her final moments.
While not a tropical reef, the cold waters surrounding the Romanby wreck provide a habitat for various hardy marine species. Divers may encounter cold-water fish such as cod and pollack, along with crabs, various types of anemones, and soft corals that have colonized the wreck structure over decades. The wreck itself acts as an artificial reef, attracting a localized ecosystem.
The best time to visit this dive site for optimal conditions, including potentially calmer seas and better visibility, is typically during the summer and autumn months in Norway (June to September). Highlights include exploring the well-preserved wreck and observing the significant battle damage. Divers should be prepared for cold water temperatures, requiring appropriate drysuit or thick wetsuit gear. Freedivers with experience can explore the shallower sections of the wreck, down to its main deck.
