Abu Nuhas Shipwreck Sites
Abu Nuhas Shipwreck Sites
Nestled just north of Shadwan Island, the Abu Nuhas diving area is an underwater marvel shaped like a slight triangle. This site is a treasure trove for divers, boasting five fascinating shipwrecks. The star attraction is the Carnatic, a British cargo vessel that met its watery fate in 1869. Despite the passage of time, the Carnatic’s skeletal frame is remarkably well-preserved, now a thriving habitat for vivid coral and abundant marine life.
Two more illustrious wrecks grace these waters: the Greek ship Chrisoula K, which sank in 1981, and the German vessel Kimon M, submerged since 1978. These wrecks offer a haven for diverse marine species like lionfish, triggerfish, and pipefish, making them a hotspot for underwater exploration.
The Name and Conditions
Abu Nuhas translates to “Father of Brass” in Arabic, with “Abu” meaning father and “Nuhâs” meaning brass. While divers are yet to discover any brass in these depths, the site’s alternate moniker, “The Ship’s Graveyard,” aptly describes its enigmatic allure. Positioned at the Straights of Gubal’s edge, the north side of Abu Nuhas is known for its challenging conditions, with strong swells often complicating mooring.
The northeast corner of Abu Nuhas is particularly notorious for its strong currents, where northern and eastern currents converge, creating a challenging environment for divers attempting to study the reef wall.
Diving Experience
Abu Nuhas is a dream destination for wreck diving enthusiasts. It presents four unique wrecks in close proximity, all within a comfortable diving depth of 30 meters or less. Situated on the reef’s north side, calm surface conditions are essential for safe mooring.
In the early 1990s, day boats from Hurghada often faced challenging moorings, but modern dive boats are equipped with RIBs or boat tenders, allowing for safer access. Divers are typically ferried from the main boat, moored behind the reef or near Woodvalley Reef, through a channel to the wrecks.
Alternative Dive Sites
If weather conditions prohibit diving at the wrecks, Woodvalley Reef itself offers a delightful alternative dive spot. This small reef, laden with timber possibly from the nearby Giannis D wreck, lies on the main reef’s western end. Another option is Yellowfish Reef, located on Abu Nuhas’s south side, renowned for its spectacular night diving opportunities.
Location
Created On 1 Jan 2019
Updated On January 28, 2024
