Dive Site: Shaab Abu Nuhas (Carnatic)

About Shaab Abu Nuhas (Carnatic)

The Carnatic, a British mail steamer that met its fate on the Abu Nuhas reef in 1869, offers a captivating dive into maritime history. As the oldest accessible wreck in the Red Sea, its wooden hull has long since disintegrated, leaving behind an elegant skeleton of iron ribs that stand like a gothic cathedral underwater. Every beam of this 90-meter vessel is now covered in brilliant soft corals, creating a vivid tapestry of marine life. Lying on its port side at a maximum depth of 26 meters, the Carnatic's bow reaches up to 12 meters, making it suitable for a range of divers. The wreck's exposed framework and abundant entry points allow for easy penetration, revealing the holds, the four-cylinder steam engine, and boilers. This site is particularly known for its dense clouds of glassfish that fill the interior spaces, guarded by redmouth groupers. The Carnatic is part of the infamous 'Ships' Graveyard' at Shaab Abu Nuhas, a submerged reef notorious for claiming vessels due to its hidden location in a busy shipping lane. The consistent warm waters and moderate currents typical of the Red Sea make this a comfortable and rewarding dive. Its rich history and biological transformation ensure a unique experience for wreck enthusiasts and marine life observers alike.

Dive site facts: Shaab Abu Nuhas (Carnatic)

Depth

12–26 m

Current

Moderate

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

21–30°C

Entry

Zodiac / liveaboard

Level

Open Water Diver

Dive type

Wreck, coral reef

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Northern Red Sea, Hurghada

Coordinates

27.585, 33.92

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Abu Nuhas, where the Carnatic lies, can be moderate, especially where currents from the Suez Canal meet. While generally manageable, divers should be aware that conditions can be challenging, a factor contributing to the reef's notoriety as a 'Ships' Graveyard'. Most dive operators utilize motorized tenders for drop-offs and pick-ups, allowing liveaboards to anchor in more sheltered areas. Visibility typically ranges from 20 to 40 meters, but can occasionally reduce to 20-25 meters during spring plankton blooms. Water temperatures remain warm year-round, ranging from 21-30°C, with minimal thermoclines.

Marine life & sighting chances

Glassfish

common

Redmouth Grouper

common

Moray Eel

occasional

Lionfish

occasional

Barracuda

occasional

Reef Fish

common

Soft Corals

common

Anemones

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at the Carnatic typically begins with a zodiac drop, positioning you above the wreck. Descend along the wreck, which lies parallel to the reef. Start by exploring the stern, heading towards the intact three-bladed propeller and rudder at 22 meters. Move forward along the port side, observing the curved structures and lifeboat davits, which are heavily encrusted with marine life. Enter the stern section to find three deck levels, often filled with glassfish and redmouth groupers. Continue to the after mast, then return to the bottom of the wreck to locate the prop shaft tunnel and shaft. A swim-through provides access to the crankshaft, flywheel, and the remains of the boilers. The center section is collapsed but offers numerous compartments. Progress to the bow section, where you can still find remnants of her cargo, anchor capstan, and chains. The dive concludes by ascending along the iconic upright beak of the bow for your safety stop.

Underwater photography

The Carnatic is a superb subject for underwater photography, particularly for wide-angle shots due to its skeletal iron ribs resembling a cathedral. A wide-angle lens will capture the grandeur of the wreck and the profuse soft coral growth. For interior shots, especially of the glassfish swarms within the holds, external strobes or video lights are highly recommended to illuminate the subjects and minimize backscatter, as ambient light can be limited. Patience is key when trying to capture the elusive redmouth groupers guarding the glassfish. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the delicate corals and silt on the wreck, ensuring clear shots and preserving the site. Early morning dives often provide the best light penetration for dramatic effects.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Abu Nuhas

  A reef known as the 'Ships' Graveyard' featuring multiple wrecks including Giannis D, Kimon M, and Chrisoula K.

• SS Thistlegorm

  A legendary WWII British cargo ship wreck, filled with historical artifacts and vehicles.

• Giannis D

  One of the most popular wrecks at Abu Nuhas, known for its intact stern and engine room penetration.

• Rosalie Moller

  A deeper shipwreck accessible from Northern Red Sea liveaboard itineraries.

• Ras Mohammed

  A national park offering vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

• The Dunraven

  Another historical wreck in the northern Red Sea, featuring a steamship with abundant marine growth.

Getting there & logistics

Diving the Carnatic is primarily done via liveaboard itineraries that traverse the Northern Red Sea, often departing from Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh. These trips typically last several days, offering multiple dives daily. The closest international airport to Hurghada is Hurghada International Airport (HRG), while Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport (SSH) serves as the gateway for trips departing from there. Liveaboards provide the most convenient access to remote sites like Abu Nuhas. Ensure your liveaboard package includes any necessary park fees or permits, although these are usually handled by the operator. The Carnatic is frequently combined with other wrecks of Shaab Abu Nuhas and other famous Northern Red Sea sites like the SS Thistlegorm and Ras Mohammed National Park.

Safety & environment

For diving in the Red Sea, comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation is highly recommended. The nearest recompression chambers are located in Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, but evacuation from remote sites like Abu Nuhas can be complex and time-consuming, necessitating careful dive planning. Always dive within your certified limits and adhere to your dive computer's no-decompression limits, especially when exploring wreck interiors. Excellent buoyancy control is crucial to prevent entanglement in the wreck or disturbing delicate corals and silt. Always dive with a qualified guide, particularly for penetration dives, and carry a torch to navigate darker sections of the wreck. Be mindful of potential currents and always follow your dive guide's instructions for entry and exit.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Shaab Abu Nuhas (Carnatic) FAQ

Liveaboards diving Shaab Abu Nuhas (Carnatic)

These liveaboards may visit Shaab Abu Nuhas (Carnatic) on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

DUNE Longara

Egypt

30 guests

$155/day

JP Marine

Egypt

28 guests

$109/day

Snefro Pearl

Egypt

12 guests

$150/day

Snefro Love

Egypt

20 guests

$154/day

Sindalahs

Egypt

26 guests38 m

$155/day

Hammerhead II

Egypt

20 guests

$173/day

Blue Liveaboard

Egypt

24 guests43 m

$173/day

Odyssey

Egypt

26 guests40 m

$185/day

Discovery I

Egypt

20 guests

$97/day

Star Jet

Egypt

28 guests35 m

$145/day

SS Serena Dreams

Egypt

18 guests33 m

$159/day

Amelie

Egypt

12 guests23 m

$115/day