Salem Express wreck

Wreck / Maritime grave

Depth: 10–32 mLevel: Advanced Open Water; penetration prohibited

A passenger and vehicle ferry of a little over 100 m, built in France in the 1960s, which worked the Jeddah-Safaga route. On the night of 14-15 December 1991 she was returning with pilgrims from the Hajj when, in a storm, the captain took a short cut between Hyndman Reef and the coast; the ship struck and sank with enormous loss of life. The official figure is around 470 victims, but published estimates are far higher and the true number aboard was never established. The wreck lies on her side between about 10 and 32 m.

Depth

10–32 m

Recommended level

Advanced Open Water; penetration prohibited

Current

Generally gentle

Protection status

Declared a maritime grave

Did you know?

It is probably the most controversial dive in the Red Sea. It has been declared a maritime grave and penetration is banned because human remains are still inside; reputable operators ask for conservative profiles and for nothing to be touched. Luggage, lifeboats and personal belongings are still visible around the hull. Sources disagree even on which side it rests on and on the exact date, a sign of how confused the event was.

Sources consulted: Dive The World; PADI (ficha del sitio); Euro-Divers; InDEPTH; Aquarius Red Sea; divezone.net