AL KAHFAIN
Why dive here
AL KAHFAIN is a wreck dive where divers can encounter humpback whales, spinner dolphins and whale sharks. Water ranges 22-30°C, warmest July, August, September.
Al Kahfain is a proper wreck dive, a motor vessel that’s been down for a while and shows it. You drop down, and the first thing you notice is the way the light filters through the superstructure, all bent and twisted. It’s got that eerie, dangerous feel about it, precisely what we love in a good wreck. It sits upright, mostly, with a decent list, and you can poke around the holds, which are now home to schools of snapper and the occasional barracuda lurking in the shadows. We’ve seen blue-spotted rays resting on the sand nearby, and the soft corals are starting to really take hold on the exposed metal. It’s a site for those who appreciate the history, the slow decay, and the way the sea reclaims things. We’d suggest a nitrox blend for longer bottom times, because there’s plenty to see if you take your time, especially around the stern. Just keep an eye on your depth here, it’s a deep one.
Typical AL KAHFAIN Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 50m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
AL KAHFAIN Wreck History
Year Sunk
1991
Vessel Type
ferry
Cause
fire
Tonnage
4,269 GRT
Before its fiery demise in the Red Sea, the "AL KAHFAIN" had a long and storied career in much colder waters. Launched in 1967 as the MV Ulster Queen, she was a modern passenger and car ferry for P&O, faithfully plying the route across the Irish Sea for over a decade. After being sold and renamed, she eventually found her way to the Middle East. In 1991, while en route, a catastrophic fire broke out on board. The blaze raged uncontrollably, forcing the crew to abandon ship. The vessel, mortally wounded by the fire, eventually sank off the coast of Safaga, Egypt.
Resting on its port side, the AL KAHFAIN's stern lies in 50 meters of water, placing this wreck firmly in the realm of technical diving. This is a serious and challenging dive for experienced, properly equipped tec divers. Those who make the descent are rewarded with the sight of a massive, intact ferry. The sheer scale is impressive, from the huge propellers and rudder at the stern to the cavernous car deck. Exploring this deep section of the wreck is an unforgettable experience, offering a haunting look at a once-bustling vessel now silent in the deep blue of the Red Sea.
Nearest Dive Centres to AL KAHFAIN
Dive shops near AL KAHFAIN
ORCA DIVE CLUB CORAL GARDEN
United Divers
Fred Lombard
Nemo
Freedom Divers
Magicdivers Kalawy
Reviews for AL KAHFAIN
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for AL KAHFAIN
AL KAHFAIN Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for AL KAHFAIN, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (26.49, 34.08) (12km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
28°C
82°F · Range: 26.4–29°C
Current Speed
28.79 cm/s
Direction: S (159.7°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.07 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
38.69 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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