South Mole, Gibraltar Harbour

[2] During construction in the 1880s, a railway and two new tunnels were created to take large quantities of quarried stone to assist in the Mole's creation.

[8] In January 1916, the SS Rosslyn, a more than 3,600 ton steamship commanded by Captain William Fishey, departed from Liverpool, England.

[9] After the ship's cargo was unloaded at Muros, Spain, the captain was directed to set a course for Gibraltar, where he was instructed to anchor off the South Mole, outside the harbour.

Despite the efforts of tugs provided by the Royal Navy and the Gibraltar Harbour authority, the ship sank off the South Mole.

[10][11] The Gibraltar Chronicle of 1 March 1916 reported:[12] The Cardiff steamer Rosslyn, of 3,679 tons gross, in ballast, dragged her anchor on Monday afternoon and was driven by the South-West gale on to the new Mole Breakwater.

The dangerous plight of the vessel was at once seen and two Government Tugs immediately went to her assistance and made several attempts to tow her off, but as the gale was increasing every moment, after taking off the crew, they gave up their efforts and brought the men safely to harbour.

View of the South Mole at Gibraltar Harbour , from the Rock of Gibraltar
Gibraltar Harbour with North Mole , Detached Mole , and South Mole
Bay of Gibraltar c1750 includes Gibraltar Harbour with Old Mole and short New Mole.
The "New" Mole in the 1890s.
Photograph taken from the "New" Mole looking south along its length in the 1890s .
Map of Gibraltar from EB1911 .