The Salem Express was an Egyptian passenger ferry that tragically sank in the Red Sea on December 15, 1991, resulting in one of the deadliest maritime disasters in recent history.

Key Details:Ship Name: Salem Express

• Built: 1966 (originally named Fred Scamaroni)

• Type: Passenger ferry

• Operator at Time of Sinking: Samatour Shipping Company

• Route: Safaga, Egypt ↔ Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

• Purpose: Primarily used to transport pilgrims returning from Hajj in Mecca

The Disaster:

• On its return voyage from Jeddah to Safaga, the ship struck a coral reef near Hyatt Reef (close to Safaga), tearing a hole in the hull.

• The impact caused rapid flooding of the vehicle deck, leading to the ship sinking in less than 20 minutes.

• The sinking occurred at night, leaving little time for evacuation.

• Legacy:

  • The Salem Express wreck lies at a depth of around 30 meters and has become a controversial dive site.

  • Many divers avoid entering the wreck out of respect for the deceased, as it is considered a maritime grave.

  • The tragedy highlighted issues of maritime safety, overcrowding, and regulatory oversight in the region.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Divecenters to dive with:

    – Shams Diving Centers
    – Volkert Dive Center – Safaga
    – Your divecenter here ?