Safaga, Red Sea, Egypt

Salem Express Wreck

The Salem Express is a 100-metre Egyptian roll-on/roll-off ferry that struck the Hyndman Reefs south of Safaga on the night of 15 December 1991 while returning pilgrims from Jeddah, sinking with the loss of more than 470 lives — the worst maritime disaster in modern Red Sea history. The wreck rests on its starboard side with the keel at 32 metres and the port side at 12 metres, the bow visor torn open and the upper decks accessible. Out of respect for the dead the wreck is dived only externally; penetration is widely considered unethical and most operators forbid it. The hull is heavily encrusted with hard and soft corals; resident marine life includes batfish schools, glassfish, lionfish, scorpionfish, masked pufferfish and the occasional whitetip reef shark. Currents are typically moderate. Visibility 15–25 metres. The site demands sober conduct and is not recommended for divers seeking only photo-trophy wrecks.