In May 2025, I took part in a diving expedition in the Baltic Sea (link). I had the opportunity to dive on a shipwreck near the chalk cliffs of the island of Møn. As it turned out, it was the wreck of the passenger ship Sea Explorer II, which sank there in 1971.
M/S Sea Explorer II – Ship History (1938–1971) Originally built in 1938 as FRISCHES HAFF by F. Schichau in Königsberg for A. Zedler, Elbing, this passenger vessel measured 34.2 meters in length and had a capacity of 756 passengers. It was powered by twin 8-cylinder diesel engines (580 HP) from Deutsche Werke, Kiel.
- 1938: FRISCHES HAFF by F. Schichau
- 1945: Used for refugee transport to Hamburg.
- 1949–1950: Operated by the Royal Navy in Germany
- 1950: Sold to Hafen-Dampfschiffe AG Hamburg, renamed STÄDE, rebuilt and extended.
- 1955–1957: Wiking-Reederei, Hamburg and renamed ROLF Viking.
- 1970: Sold to Bahamas Marine Service Ltd. and renamed SEA EXPLORER II.
- Final Voyage: On May 14, 1971, the vessel sank while under tow from Copenhagen to Kiel after springing a leak near Gedser, Denmark.
The dive
The wreck now lies partially embedded in chalk seabed with parts of the structure still visible, making it a popular diving site. I scanned the wreck on May 23rd 2025
Model
You can find the 3D Data in my Download section.
