Abu Nuhas / Giannis D, Egypt

The Arabic word “Nuhas” translates to “copper” or “bronze,” making Abu Nuhas the “Father of Copper.” Copper plates can still be seen on the reef top at Abu Nuhas today; they are likely remnants of the cargo from one of the wrecks at Abu Nuhas.

Giannis D—the timber freighter

The “Giannis D” set sail from the port of Rijeka in April 1983 on its final voyage. Loaded with teak and mahogany, the voyage was supposed to end in Hodeida, Yemen. In reality, however, it ended on April 19, 1983, at Abu Nuhas. The reason why the “Giannis D” collided with the Abu Nuhas reef remains unknown. Eyewitnesses report that the ‘Giannis D’ suddenly changed course and ran aground on the reef at full speed. On the day of the sinking, there was no wind, making the Abu Nuhas reef difficult to spot. Only the captain could provide the answer.

Salvage attempts were futile, as the port side had already been breached and water had risen high in the cargo holds. The entire crew managed to reach the nearby island of Shedwan. In the weeks following the sinking, the ship gradually broke apart and sank to a maximum depth of 27 meters onto the sandy seabed at the reef.

For divers, the “Giannis D” is well worth visiting due to its well-preserved stern section, which includes the bridge and the engine room. Large schools of glassfish have made their home in the engine room. In the middle, the wreck has completely broken apart and is no longer well-preserved. On the bow section, which lies completely on its port side, the anchor windlass and motor winches used to hoist the cargo are still visible.

The wreck is exciting and easy to dive, but the real highlight is the dolphins of Abu Nuhas. Often, divers plan a dive to the “Giannis D,” but then the dolphins approach the wreck, and the divers emerge from the water completely euphoric and thrilled—without ever having seen the wreck

Ship Data