Ss Dunraven Wreck

About this dive site

This dive site presents the wreck of a British steamer, known as The Dunraven, located on the southern edge of Sha’ab Mahmoud (also referred to as Beacon Rock). The wreck is situated directly below the South Cardinal Beacon and requires approximately an hour's boat ride past Ras Mohammed to reach. Navigating to this location can be affected by weather conditions; once at the reef, there's some protection from waves but it can still remain somewhat rough. The Dunraven, built in Newcastle in 1873 and sunk in 1876, rests on the seabed at a depth of approximately 30 meters. The vessel is completely upside down, divided into two main sections. The stern section lies about 29 meters below the surface and is partially open to experienced divers. This area leads to a swim-through beside the ship’s boiler and exits into an area filled with thousands of glass fish. The bow section is shallower, offering numerous opportunities for examining the wreck's structure from above, though entry isn’t possible. After exploring the bow, divers typically fin over the hull, observing the coral growth, before progressing to the reef wall and the shallows to complete their dive. Visibility at this site can vary depending on weather conditions.