Dive Site: Cable Wreck

About Cable Wreck

The Cable Wreck, also known as the Staphonos or Greek Staphonos, lies off Jeddah's coast in Saudi Arabia. This historic vessel sank in 1978, carrying construction materials such as steel beams, cables, and chain-link fences, which ultimately gave it its enduring name. The wreck site, located southwest of Jeddah near Abu Tair Island, is now a thriving artificial reef, home to a rich variety of marine life. The ship rests on the seafloor at approximately 24 meters, where natural light still penetrates, illuminating its cargo holds and allowing for easy navigation through its interior. This depth range and light penetration make it suitable for a broad spectrum of divers to explore. The wreck is significantly overgrown with corals, blending it seamlessly into the surrounding marine environment. Divers regularly encounter a vibrant ecosystem thriving around the wreck. Large schools of goatfish and blue-striped snappers are often seen congregating around the mast, while white-tip sharks and blue-spotted rays patrol the sandy areas nearby. Guitar sharks are also known to inhabit the vicinity of the bow, making it a dynamic dive experience. Access to the Cable Wreck is exclusively by boat from Jeddah, offering a dedicated wreck dive experience. On calm days, the site is generally accessible to all levels of divers, providing a comfortable and rewarding exploration. However, during periods of rougher seas, the conditions can become more challenging, making it better suited for experienced divers.

Dive site facts: Cable Wreck

Depth

24 m

Current

Moderate

Visibility

20–30 m

Water temperature

24–31°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate (Beginner on calm days)

Dive type

Wreck, Reef

Region / port

Jeddah, Makkah Province

Coordinates

22.3214° N, 38.6279° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the Cable Wreck are generally moderate, making it accessible for most divers on calm days. However, conditions can intensify on rougher days, requiring more advanced skills and careful dive planning. Entry to the site is exclusively by boat, and divers should be prepared for potential boat traffic. Visibility typically ranges around 20 meters but can extend up to 30 meters or more, especially offshore. The wreck itself offers some shelter, but strong currents can affect the surrounding areas, so divers should follow their guide closely, particularly to avoid entanglement risks with loose cables and fence fragments if the current picks up.

Marine life & sighting chances

White-tip Reef Shark

common

Blue-spotted Ray

common

Guitarfish

occasional

Goatfish

common

Blue-striped Snapper

common

Blue Chromis

common

Luma Fish

common

Moray Eel

July-September · occasional

Barracuda

January, March, April · occasional

Tuna

January, February, May · occasional

Triggerfish

May, July, August · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Cable Wreck begins with a boat entry, descending directly to the wreck's deck, which sits at approximately 24 meters. The ship's bottom rests on the seabed, allowing for an immediate exploration of its structure. The route typically involves navigating through the ambiently lit cargo holds, where you can observe steel beams, cables, and other remnants of the original cargo, now heavily encrusted with coral. You'll progress towards the bow area, known for potential sightings of guitar sharks. Keep an eye on the mast, often surrounded by large schools of goatfish and blue-striped snappers. The dive concludes with a slow ascent, utilizing the wreck's structure for a safety stop before returning to the surface via boat. On days with stronger currents, your guide will manage the route carefully to minimize exposure and ensure a tidy and safe dive.

Underwater photography

The Cable Wreck offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For the general wreck and its coral growth, a wide-angle lens will capture the scale and overall health of the site, especially with the ambient light filtering down. To highlight the vibrant schools of fish, such as goatfish and snappers, and the larger inhabitants like white-tip sharks or guitarfish, wide-angle can also be effective. For macro enthusiasts, there are numerous smaller creatures inhabiting the coral-covered debris, requiring a macro lens and careful lighting. Employ strobes to bring out the true colors of the corals and marine life, and consider backlighting techniques in the cargo holds for dramatic effects. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid stirring up sediment or damaging the delicate corals and ensure clear shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Ann Ann Wreck (Jeddah)

  Jeddah's largest wreck dive, suitable for intermediate and expert divers.

• Boiler Wreck

  A highly-rated wreck dive in Jeddah, surrounded by smaller wrecks.

• Farasan Banks

  Remote reefs known for diverse marine life, including pelagics and various sharks.

• Shib Habil Reef

  A natural reef nearby often combined with local wreck dives.

• Abu Tair

  A nearby reef and wreck dive off Jeddah.

Getting there & logistics

Access to the Cable Wreck is primarily via day boats departing from Jeddah, the main coastal city in Saudi Arabia's Makkah Province. Jeddah is well-served by King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), offering numerous domestic and international flights. Dive centers in Jeddah organize half-day or full-day trips to the wreck, typically combining it with other nearby sites. There are currently no specific permits or fees beyond standard dive trip costs. Liveaboards are slowly emerging in Saudi Arabia, which may offer multi-day trips that include the Cable Wreck alongside more remote Red Sea sites, though day trips remain the most common way to experience this specific site.

Safety & environment

While diving the Cable Wreck, adherence to safety protocols is crucial. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Jeddah, a major urban center, ensuring relatively prompt medical support if needed. However, the reality of evacuation from a dive site to a medical facility should always be considered, and comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation is highly recommended. Site-specific hazards include potential entanglement with loose cables and fence fragments on the wreck, especially in moderate to strong currents; maintaining excellent buoyancy and situational awareness is vital. Boat traffic in the area requires divers to surface with a SMB. Always follow your dive guide's instructions, especially regarding current management and entry/exit procedures.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Cable Wreck FAQ