The Salem Express - one of the largest wrecks in the Egyptian Red Sea

The Salem Express is one of the most controversial wreck dives in the Red Sea due to the tragic loss of life which occurred when she sank shortly after midnight on December 15th 1991.

Launched as Fred Scamaroni in 1966 the roll-on, roll-off ferry for vehicles and passengers was built in the French shipyards of La Seyne in 1964. Her name was changed several times to the Nuits Saint George, Lord Sinai, Al Tahara until she finally became the Salem Express in 1988.

The Salem was packed with passengers returning from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, bound for the port of Safaga, when she struck one of the banks of coral that just break the surface south of Hyndman Reef, off Safaga in the Egyptian Red Sea. All rescue actions failed due to the stormy weather that night.

Diving the Salem Express - a unique experience

The Salem Express is one of the largest wrecks in the Egyptian Red Sea. Her port side is just 12 metres from the surface with her starboard side lying on the seabed at a maximum depth of 30 metres. From the surface you can easily make out the port-side hull of the Salem. The Salem is worth two or three dives in a row to explore her to the fullest.