ABED AL SALEM - Crete

The Abed al Salem isn’t about huge pelagics or technicolour reefs. No, this is a shallow wreck with a story, perfect for a long, relaxed dive or even a snorkel if the conditions are right. We love it for its sheer accessibility and the way the light plays through the broken hull. She went down in 1981, a cargo ship from Marseilles to Beirut, coming unstuck when two containers broke loose in heavy seas. Diverted to Iraklion, she ended up beached and abandoned. Now, she lies just offshore, the bow barely breaking the surface, making for an easy entry. The stern is the deepest part, sitting at around 5m, so you’re never far from the surface. What we really enjoy is poking around the twisted metal, imagining the chaos of her final hours. Small schooling fish, often hundreds of juvenile barracuda, swirl around the superstructure, shimmering like silver confetti. You'll spot plenty of blennies peeking from crevices and the occasional octopus tucked into a pipe. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs on the hull plates, too. It’s a fantastic site for photographers keen on ambient light wreck shots, especially mid-morning when the sun is high and bright.

Location
Crete, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
35.342167, 25.061445
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - ABED AL SALEM

Year Sunk
1981
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
storm

The motor vessel Abed Al Salem was a modern cargo ship built in 1960. Its final, fateful voyage began in Marseille, with a destination of Beirut. While en route in January 1981, the ship encountered heavy seas that proved to be its undoing. The violent motion of the storm caused two of its cargo containers to break loose from their lashings on deck. This sudden and significant shift in weight caused the vessel to take on a dangerous list, making it unstable and difficult to control.

The crew diverted course, attempting to make for the safety of the port at Iraklion, Crete. However, battling the storm and the severe list, they were unable to save their ship. The Abed Al Salem ultimately ran aground on the Cretan coast and sank. Today, its remains lie in just 5 meters of water, making it a superb site for divers of all levels and even snorkelers. The clear Mediterranean water offers excellent visibility to explore the wreckage, which serves as a dramatic reminder of the power of the sea.

Marine Protected Area: EKVOLI GEROPOTAMOU MESARAS

Best Time to Dive in Crete

The warmest water temperatures in Crete occur in August, averaging 25.1°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 16.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 17.3°C
  • February: 16.4°C
  • March: 16.4°C
  • April: 17.0°C
  • May: 19.2°C
  • June: 22.3°C
  • July: 24.1°C
  • August: 25.1°C
  • September: 24.6°C
  • October: 22.9°C
  • November: 20.9°C
  • December: 18.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Crete

Nearest Dive Centres to ABED AL SALEM

Marine Life in Crete

Home to 11 recorded species including 5 reef fish, 1 other, 1 sea urchins, 1 worms, 1 seagrass & algae, 1 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ABED AL SALEM

Based on average water temperature of 20.4°C, currents 5 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 20°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories