ARCHON RAPHAEL - Gulf of Tadjoura

The Archon Raphael, a good-sized steamship, went aground off Musha Island back in '68, and it’s become one of our favourite dives in Djibouti for good reason. She lies in just 18 metres, making it an easy, relaxed exploration, perfect for divers who want to spend some serious time soaking in the history without deep deco obligations. We love finning along her 134-meter length, picturing her journey from Sunderland to Shanghai. The wreck itself is a playground of twisted metal and open holds, all now completely colonised by the reef. Look for the schools of snapper and fusiliers that swirl around the davits and superstructure; they’re often so thick you can barely see the bow. Keep an eye on the deck, too, for crocodilefish tucked against the plating. The light penetration into the holds is often spectacular, painting the interior in shifting blues and greens, making for some dramatic photo opportunities. Our tip: go early to beat any potential boat traffic and enjoy the wreck in peace. The calm, shallow water means you can really take your time, picking through the details of a ship frozen in time.

Location
Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
11.686167, 43.194168
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
18m

Wreck History - ARCHON RAPHAEL

Year Sunk
1968
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
7,176 GRT

The Archon Raphael began its life in 1944 as a quintessential piece of wartime engineering: the American Liberty Ship SS Le Baron Russell Briggs. Built to transport vast quantities of cargo for the Allied war effort, it survived the conflict and was later sold into commercial service. After passing through several owners and names, it was finally christened Archon Raphael and registered in Panama.

In May 1967, while on a voyage from Sunderland to Shanghai carrying a full cargo of cars, the Archon Raphael ran hard aground on the treacherous reefs of the Musha Islands in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti. Salvage efforts proved futile against the grip of the reef, and the ship was abandoned. Battered by the sea for months, it finally broke apart and was declared a total loss in February 1968.

The Archon Raphael is now one of Djibouti's premier wreck dives. The vessel lies in two main sections on a sloping reef, with the bow in the shallows and the stern sitting deeper around 18-25 meters. It has transformed into a spectacular artificial reef, teeming with vibrant coral growth and schools of fish. Divers can explore the cavernous cargo holds, where the ghostly remains of the cars it was carrying can still be seen. The wreck is a playground for marine life, with moray eels, groupers, and rays making their homes in the decaying superstructure, offering an unforgettable dive for all experience levels.

Marine Protected Area: Iles Musha et Maskhali

Best Time to Dive in Gulf of Tadjoura

The warmest water temperatures in Gulf of Tadjoura occur in January, averaging 26.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 26.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.9°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • February: 26.9°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • March: 26.9°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • April: 26.9°C (air: 28.9°C)
  • May: 26.9°C (air: 32.5°C)
  • June: 26.9°C (air: 35.7°C)
  • July: 26.9°C (air: 36.4°C)
  • August: 26.9°C (air: 34.9°C)
  • September: 26.9°C (air: 34.5°C)
  • October: 26.9°C (air: 30.2°C)
  • November: 26.9°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • December: 26.9°C (air: 25.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Gulf of Tadjoura

Marine Life in Gulf of Tadjoura

Home to 205 recorded species including 95 hard corals, 75 reef fish, 8 sharks & rays, 6 crabs & lobsters, 5 sea cucumbers, 4 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ARCHON RAPHAEL

Based on average water temperature of 26.9°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving the ARCHON RAPHAEL wreck?
The ARCHON RAPHAEL wreck is found at a depth of 18 meters. This makes it accessible for divers looking to explore a fascinating historical site in the Gulf of Tadjoura.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to encounter at the ARCHON RAPHAEL dive site?
Divers exploring the ARCHON RAPHAEL can expect to encounter the impressive features of a steam ship vessel, which sank on February 27, 1968. This substantial wreck measures 134.7m in length and 17.4m in width, offering extensive areas to explore. While specific marine life isn't detailed, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
Is the ARCHON RAPHAEL wreck dive considered suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
The ARCHON RAPHAEL wreck dive is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This suggests it is suitable for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certification. Divers should be comfortable with wreck diving techniques and conditions to safely explore this site in Djibouti.
What are the best months or seasons to dive the ARCHON RAPHAEL wreck for good conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best months or seasons to dive the ARCHON RAPHAEL wreck for optimal conditions. For general information on diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide. We recommend checking local dive operator reports for the most current conditions in the Gulf of Tadjoura.
What level of diving certification is typically required to explore the ARCHON RAPHAEL wreck?
Given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers typically need more than just an Open Water certification to explore the ARCHON RAPHAEL wreck. An Advanced Open Water certification or a specialty in wreck diving would be highly recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience for a safe and enjoyable exploration of this significant wreck in Djibouti.
How are the currents and visibility usually at the ARCHON RAPHAEL dive site?
The available data does not provide specific details regarding the usual currents or visibility at the ARCHON RAPHAEL dive site. As conditions can vary, it's always best to consult with local dive centers in Djibouti for up-to-date information before planning your dive.