Uncover Abu Nuhas: The Red Sea's Best Wreck Diving
In the midst of the bustling commerce and maritime activity of the Gulf of Suez, there lies a diver's paradise – the Abu Nuhas reef. Located three miles north of Shadwan Island, off the coast of Hurghada, this partially submerged coral reef is a silent sentinel to many a shipwreck throughout history. Four wrecks now serve as thrilling exploration sites for recreational divers. In this article we will cover these four renowned wrecks of the Red sea, SS Carnatic, Giannis D, Chrisoula K, Kimon M and have tips for planning your own trip to Abu Nuhas. Dive in, and let the underwater spectacle of Abu Nuhas captivate your adventurous spirit!
Abu Nuhas location
The bow section of the SS Carnatic
Golden Depths: The SS Carnatic's Underwater Secrets
The SS Carnatic, a British steamship, was constructed in 1862-63 by Samuda Brothers on the Isle of Dogs, London. It was built for the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (now known as P&O). On September 12, 1869, during a voyage from Suez to Bombay, the Carnatic ran aground on Abu nuhas reef. Despite the initial grounding, a false sense of security led the captain to keep everyone on board. Eventually, the ship began sinking rapidly, tragically pulling 24 crew members and 5 passengers beneath the surface.
The wreckage of the Carnatic was rediscovered in 1984 and has since become a popular scuba diving site. It is one of the oldest and most fascinating wrecks on Abu Nuhas Reef. Today, the 98-meter long wreck lies at a depth of 27 meters and is beautifully overgrown with marine life. Carnatic was carrying an immense fortune when it wrecked - almost £40 000 of solid gold. However the skilled salvagers managed to recover all of the precious cargo two weeks later; still, tales continue to swirl around this shipwreck and its potential hidden treasure adding even more mystique!
The wreck is a popular site for divers, who can still see the ship's structural ribs and frames, as well as the rudder and three-bladed propeller, which make for some stunning underwater photographs. The Carnatic tale continues to intrigue, making it a must-visit spot for divers exploring the Red Sea.
Penetration of the Carnatic wreck is easy as only its steel structure remains
Giannis D: From Seafaring Splendor to Underwater Wonder
Giannis D, a Greek cargo ship, was constructed in 1969. It had a length of 99.5m, a width of 16m, and a tonnage of 2,932t. The ship met its tragic end when it struck a reef and sank in 1983 while carrying a cargo of wood. The impact was so strong that the Giannis D split into two. The wreckage now rests at the base of the reef, in water depths ranging from 10-28 meters. Interestingly, the Giannis D was not always known by this name. It was initially launched as the Shoyo Maru, built by the Kuryshima Dock Company of Imabari, Japan. Its final voyage began in 1983 from Yugoslavia, and it was loaded with sawn timber at Rijeka, Croatia, destined for Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The shipwreck has since become an iconic dive site in the Red Sea, attracting thousands of divers over the years.
For those up for an exciting challenge, the stern section of this wreck offers a thrilling opportunity to explore. Intrepid divers can swim through the bridge and navigate their way into unique areas such as engine rooms and accommodation quarters – though it may prove more tricky than anticipated due to disorientation while inside due to the angle of the wreck. You won't want to miss the chance to capture a picture of Giannis D's stunning stern section, so don’t forget your camera when kitting up.
Exploring outside of Giannis D shipwreck at low depths
The Tile Wreck Tale: A Journey into the Depths of Chrisoula K
Chrisoula K boasts a rich maritime history that began as the Dora Oldendorff in Germany in 1954. It changed hands multiple times before finally being owned by Clarion Marine, who rechristened the vessel with its current name. However, tragedy struck during a routine voyage in 1981 when the Chrisoula K veered off course and found herself dangerously close to the Abu Nuhas reef in Egypt's Red Sea. Laden with Italian floor tiles, she unfortunately hit the reef on August 30th, leading to her eventual sinking.
Often referred to as the "Tile Wreck," Chrisoula K is a popular wreck diving site. This moniker comes from its cargo of Italian floor tiles, some of which are still visible today, with markings intact. The wreck rests between 12 and 27 meters deep, providing a habitat rich with marine life. A dive at the Chrisoula K offers a unique opportunity to explore not just one, but potentially two wrecks. Its proximity to the Carnatic wreck allows divers to experience both during a single drift dive, provided they have sufficient air.
The ship's bow, smashed from the violent impact with the reef, was once clearly visible on top of Abu nuhas. Now, most of the main body of the wreck lies beneath the water. The stern section of the ship, including the engine room, offers an intriguing penetration dive for experienced wreck divers. The large propeller and rudder remain impressively intact.
Inside the engine room of Giannis D
The Lentil Wreck: From Reef Collision to Aquatic Habitat
Kimon M, often referred to as the "Lentil Wreck," is a shipwreck that tells a tale of an ill-fated journey. This 120-meter German cargo vessel was loaded with lentils when it embarked on its final voyage. The ship set sail from Iskenderun, Turkey, in December 1978. In the same month, the ship struck the northeast corner of Abu Nuhas Reef while steaming south at full speed. Initially the ship sat upright on the reef, but over time, currents and wind pushed the vessel until it succumbed to the depths.
The wreck is resting at depths between 4 and 32 meters. Because of its location on its starboard side, divers can easily explore the vast expanse of the ship and its holds. As you descend into the clear waters, the ghostly form of the Kimon M emerges from the depths. The ship, once a bustling freighter, is now a silent relic, teeming with marine life. One of the unique aspects of diving this wreck is the opportunity to enter the engineering department. Due to later salvage efforts, a hole was cut in the port side of the ship, allowing divers to explore the engine room and other machinery that was not removed. Exploring the interior gives divers a chance to imagine what life might have been like aboard the ship before it met its untimely end. Be prepared to encounter schools of glassfish that now call the wreck home, as well as lionfish and moray eels that lurk in the shadows. While the Kimon M may not be as renowned as its neighboring wrecks in the Abu Nuhas, it provides an equally fascinating dive experience.
Stacked tiles and stunning lighting inside the holds of the tile wreck
Abu Nuhas: A Dive Site for All Levels under Favorable Conditions
The sea conditions at Abu Nuhas Reef can be quite unpredictable, making it a thrilling yet challenging dive site. With potential for strong winds and currents, the waters can sometimes become choppy. However, when the weather is favorable and the sea is calm, Abu Nuhas transforms into an ideal diving location, even for those with less experience.
The depth of the wrecks here ranges from 10 to 30 meters, providing a wealth of exploration opportunities for open water certified divers. As long as conditions are agreeable, divers can enjoy a remarkable underwater journey. This fascinating ships graveyard offers a unique dive experience, combining history, marine life and the thrill of exploration in one dive site.
Your Journey to Abu Nuhas: Opting for the Best Dive Experience
Reaching the renowned Abu Nuhas Reef requires a bit of a journey, but the underwater wonders that await make it well worth the travel. Day boats regularly set sail from Hurghada, although the journey can be quite lengthy, often taking up to three hours or more depending on the departure point. Day boats also rely on good weather and sufficient passenger interest to make the trip
For those who truly want to experience the magic of diving at Abu Nuhas, opting for a liveaboard boat trip is highly recommended. These multi-day sea excursions provide ample time for the captain to assess the weather and sea conditions, choosing the optimal day for visiting the reef. This approach ensures a more enjoyable dive experience under favorable conditions. , the flexibility and convenience offered by liveaboard trips make them an ideal choice for exploring Abu Nuhas.
Bellow are some excellent recommendations for liveaboard experiences at Abu Nuhas. Our friends at Divebooker.com specialize in curating liveaboard trips globally and also include complimentary Dan dive insurance. Enjoy exploring the underwater world with peace of mind and unparalleled convenience. Click here for more information and check out all of the itineraries they have to offer.
Seven Seas (Egypt) Liveaboard If you're looking for an exceptional diving experience at great value for money, the Seven Seas (Egypt) Liveaboard is a top recommendation. Explore the stunning reefs and wrecks of Egypt aboard this exceptional boat. Other boats in the Emperor fleet also visit this dive site, providing diverse options for your diving adventure. Click here for more info.
Amelie Liveaboard For those seeking a shorter trip or on a lower budget to Abu Nuhas, the Amelie Liveaboard is an excellent choice. This wooden safari yacht provides a comfortable and affordable diving experience. With a capacity of 12, it offers cosy cabins and essential amenities. Click here for more info.