Dive Site: Giannis D

About Giannis D

The Giannis D, a Greek cargo ship, sank in April 1983 after running aground on the northwestern corner of Sha'ab Abu Nuhas, a prominent reef known as the "ship graveyard" in the Strait of Gubal. Originally launched in Japan in 1969 as the Shoyo Maru, she was carrying a cargo of sawn softwood from Rijeka to Jeddah when the accident occurred, earning her the nickname "wood wreck." Today, the 99-meter vessel lies on its port side, tilted dramatically, broken into three main sections. The stern, with its bridge, funnel, masts, and engine room, remains remarkably intact and offers accessible penetration opportunities for qualified divers to observe machinery and instruments. The midships section is shattered, while the bow sits separately, at a depth of around 18 meters. The masts and A-frame derricks lean towards the surface, with the shallowest parts reaching approximately 6 meters. Positioned on the northern, exposed side of the Abu Nuhas reef, the Giannis D experiences typical Red Sea conditions. Divers can expect generally good visibility, ranging from 15 to 30 meters, but should be prepared for currents that can vary from mild to strong, depending on tidal movements and weather. The site is a popular destination for both day boats from Hurghada and liveaboards, often paired with other wrecks on the same reef. Underwater, the wreck is adorned with a carpet of silt inside and vibrant corals outside, attracting diverse marine life. Its unique tilted posture and well-preserved stern make it one of the most photographed and iconic wrecks in the Red Sea, rewarding divers comfortable with moving water and wreck exploration.

Dive site facts: Giannis D

Depth

6–27 m

Typical dive

18–27 m, 45–60 min

Current

Mild to strong

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

21–30°C

Entry

Zodiac / Tender

Level

Advanced Open Water, wreck experience beneficial

Dive type

Wreck, coral reef

Region / port

Northern Red Sea (Abu Nuhas reef)

Coordinates

26.8787° N, 34.4742° E

Conditions & Currents

The Giannis D lies on the northern, open-sea side of the Abu Nuhas reef, meaning conditions can range from mild to strong, influenced by tides and prevailing winds. Divers should anticipate surge and current, which may vary depending on the day's weather and the specific section of the wreck. Visibility is generally good, typically between 15 and 30 meters, unhindered by harbor silt due to its open-water location. Competent guides and appropriate certifications are essential for navigating the dynamic conditions, especially if strong currents are present. Surface conditions can be rough, and trips may be weather-dependent; divers must be comfortable in moving water and plan their gas consumption accordingly.

Marine life & sighting chances

Moray eels

common

Lionfish

common

Barracuda

occasional

Turtles

occasional

Batfish

occasional

Reef fish (various)

common

Soft corals

common

Hard corals

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Divers typically access the Giannis D via Zodiac or tender, often starting the dive near the intact stern section. The wreck lies on its port side, with the stern being the most prominent and explorable part. The dive usually begins by descending along the superstructure, observing the dramatic tilt of the vessel. Qualified divers can penetrate the engine room and bridge area, exploring intact machinery and instruments while daylight often streams through various openings. The midships section is largely broken and scattered debris. The route then progresses towards the separate bow section, located at around 18 meters. The dive concludes by ascending towards the distinct A-frame derricks and masts, with the shallowest parts reaching about 6 meters, providing a natural and photogenic location for a safety stop before surfacing.

Underwater photography

The Giannis D is a highly photogenic wreck, especially the dramatically tilted stern and engine room. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the scale of the wreck's structure, the leaning masts, and the overall broken profile against the blue. During penetrations, be mindful of ambient light flooding through openings for dramatic effects, and use strobes to illuminate details and reduce backscatter from disturbed silt. For macro shots, focus on the abundant coral growth covering parts of the hull and the smaller marine life inhabiting the wreck. Good buoyancy control is critical, especially inside the wreck, to avoid stirring up the silt carpet and ensure clear shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Carnatic

  Another historical wreck on the Abu Nuhas reef, often dived in combination with Giannis D.

• Chrisoula K

  A cargo wreck on Abu Nuhas, known for its cargo of tiles.

• Kimon M

  The fourth main wreck on Abu Nuhas, also a cargo vessel.

• SS Thistlegorm

  Famous WWII wreck, also in the northern Red Sea, frequently part of wreck itineraries.

Getting there & logistics

The Giannis D is situated on the Abu Nuhas reef in the northern Red Sea, accessible from major departure ports like Hurghada. Divers typically fly into Hurghada International Airport (HRG) or Cairo International Airport (CAI) with a connecting flight to Hurghada. The wreck is commonly visited as part of a day trip from Hurghada or, more frequently, as a key site on multi-day liveaboard itineraries that focus on the 'Wrecks of the North.' These liveaboards often embark from Hurghada and may combine Giannis D with other wrecks on Abu Nuhas (Carnatic, Chrisoula K, Kimon M) and other iconic sites like the SS Thistlegorm. Trips usually range from 7 to 8 days, and specific dive permits are typically managed by the tour operator or liveaboard.

Safety & environment

Diving the Giannis D requires careful adherence to safety protocols due to potential currents and wreck penetration. Divers should carry appropriate certifications for wreck diving and be comfortable in moving water. Emergency evacuation routes typically involve transfer by boat to Hurghada, where the nearest recompression chamber is located. Divers should always have comprehensive dive insurance covering hyperbaric treatment and evacuation. Site-specific hazards include sharp metal edges within the wreck, potential for silt-outs during penetration, and variable currents outside the wreck. Always dive with a competent guide, maintain good buoyancy, and respect the integrity of the wreck. Following established dive plans and buddy procedures is paramount.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Giannis D FAQ

Liveaboards diving Giannis D

These liveaboards may visit Giannis D on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

DUNE Longara

Egypt

30 guests

$150/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

$104/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