Al Kahfain (Wreck) - Safaga

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.

Location
Safaga, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
26.661800, 34.055000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
22m
Difficulty
Intermediate

Wreck History - Al Kahfain (Wreck)

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.

Best Time to Dive in Safaga

The warmest water temperatures in Safaga occur in August, averaging 29.2°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 22.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 23.1°C
  • February: 22.3°C
  • March: 22.1°C
  • April: 22.8°C
  • May: 25.0°C
  • June: 26.5°C
  • July: 27.7°C
  • August: 29.2°C
  • September: 28.6°C
  • October: 27.4°C
  • November: 26.7°C
  • December: 24.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Safaga

Nearest Dive Centres to Al Kahfain (Wreck)

Marine Life in Safaga

Home to 32 recorded species including 22 reef fish, 5 whales & dolphins, 2 seagrass & algae, 1 sharks & rays, 1 sea cucumbers, 1 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Al Kahfain (Wreck)

Based on average water temperature of 25.5°C, currents 16 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°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