ATTIKI (PROBABLY) - El Gouna

Attiki, or what we affectionately call Attiki (Probably) because its identity was a bit hazy for a while, is a delightful El Gouna wreck. Sunk back in '78, this motor vessel is now a proper, settled home for all sorts of reef fish. We love its shallow depth – a mere five metres – making it perfect for a long, relaxed dive, even for newer divers finding their fins. You'll spend your time exploring the hull, which still holds its shape surprisingly well, despite the years. Look for the schools of silversides that often shimmer around the superstructure, creating these living walls of light. Our favourite detail has to be the way the coral has started to really take hold, especially the colourful soft corals swaying with the gentle surge. It’s a genuinely pretty wreck and ideal for photographers who want to take their time getting that perfect shot without worrying about deco. Go early in the morning, before the dive boats pile in, and you’ll often have it all to yourselves.

Location
El Gouna, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
27.993917, 33.476334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - ATTIKI (PROBABLY)

Year Sunk
1978
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The Attiki was a motor vessel built in 1966, spending just over a decade at sea before meeting its end. In April 1978, while on a passage from Genoa, Italy, to Port Sudan, the ship ran hard aground on the reefs near El Gouna. For five days, efforts were made to save the vessel, but the unforgiving reef held it fast. The crew was eventually forced to abandon ship, leaving the Attiki to the mercy of the Red Sea's waves and currents.

Resting in just 5 meters of water, the wreck of the Attiki is now a fantastic site for novice divers and even snorkelers. Over the years, the sea has broken the ship apart, scattering its remains across a wide area. Divers can explore the ship's superstructure, cargo holds, and engine room, which have become a thriving artificial reef. The shallow depth and clear Egyptian waters ensure brilliant light, illuminating the vibrant corals and schools of fish that now call this once-doomed vessel home.

Marine Protected Area: شعاب البحر الأحمر

Best Time to Dive in El Gouna

The warmest water temperatures in El Gouna occur in August, averaging 28.3°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 20.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 20.3°C
  • February: 20.2°C
  • March: 20.8°C
  • April: 22.1°C
  • May: 24.5°C
  • June: 25.8°C
  • July: 27.0°C
  • August: 28.3°C
  • September: 27.3°C
  • October: 26.1°C
  • November: 24.6°C
  • December: 22.2°C

Nearby Dive Sites in El Gouna

Nearest Dive Centres to ATTIKI (PROBABLY)

Marine Life in El Gouna

Home to 64 recorded species including 46 reef fish, 7 whales & dolphins, 4 seagrass & algae, 3 sea cucumbers, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 1 sharks & rays.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ATTIKI (PROBABLY)

Based on average water temperature of 24.1°C, currents 19 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 24°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