Al Kahfain (Wreck)
Why dive here
Al Kahfain (Wreck) is a wreck dive where divers can encounter humpback whales, spinner dolphins and whale sharks. Water ranges 22-29°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Al Kahfain wreck might not get the same press as the Salem Express, but for us, it’s a brilliant dive if you’re into exploring. It’s a small general cargo vessel, not too deep at 22 metres, which means you get decent bottom time to really snoop around. We love poking through the holds, which are often swarming with sweepers and glassfish. What makes Al Kahfain stand out is the way the wreck has settled on its side, almost inviting you to peer into its skeletal structure. You can fin right along the deck, past the wheelhouse, and imagine the old girl in her working days. Look closely, and you’ll spot crocodilefish camouflaged on the hull, or a moray eel peeking from a dark crevice. Our favourite spot is usually around the bow, where the light hits just right, illuminating schools of fusiliers so thick they almost block the light. It's an easy-going wreck dive, great for intermediate divers looking for something a bit more intimate than the region’s bigger names, and ideal for photographers wanting to capture those moody, internal shots.
Typical Al Kahfain (Wreck) Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 22m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
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) Wreck History
Year Sunk
1991
Vessel Type
ferry
Cause
fire
Tonnage
4,269 GRT
The "Al Kahfain" began life as the P&O ferry MV Ulster Queen in 1967, serving as a vital link for passengers and vehicles across the Irish Sea. After years of service, she was sold for work in the Red Sea. Her new career was cut tragically short in 1991 when a devastating fire erupted on board. The crew was unable to contain the inferno and had to abandon ship, leaving the vessel to the flames. The Al Kahfain eventually succumbed and sank near Safaga, where she remains a legendary Red Sea wreck.
Lying on her port side, the wreck spans a significant depth range. While her stern and keel drop into technical diving territory, the uppermost starboard side and superstructure begin at a much more accessible 22 meters. This makes the Al Kahfain a fantastic multi-level dive for advanced recreational divers. You can start by exploring the bridge and upper decks, marveling at the scale of the passenger ferry. From there, you can descend along the hull, peering into the ghostly car decks before ascending for your safety stop, having experienced one of Egypt's most impressive shipwrecks.
Nearest Dive Centres to Al Kahfain (Wreck)
Dive shops near Al Kahfain (Wreck)
ORCA DIVE CLUB CORAL GARDEN
United Divers
Fred Lombard
Nemo
Freedom Divers
Magicdivers Kalawy
Reviews for Al Kahfain (Wreck)
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Al Kahfain (Wreck)
Al Kahfain (Wreck) Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Al Kahfain (Wreck), sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
29.23°C
85°F
Current Speed
14.56 cm/s
Direction: S (164.1°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.068 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
38.47 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
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