MALDIVE TRANSPORT - Safaga

The *Maldive Transport* sits upright in the sandy seabed, a real giant down there. We’ve always been drawn to the sheer scale of this one, a proper freighter from the 1950s, 130 meters long. Her bow faces north and the stern points south, and she's fairly intact despite the fire that sank her in 1972. Our favorite part is dropping onto the foredeck, then swimming over the massive cargo holds, gaping open now. You can descend into them, but it’s dark, so bring a good torch. The superstructure is what we really love to explore. We’ll spend a good chunk of time moving through the bridge and engine room areas, finding old gauges and rusted controls. Look out for the resident moray eels that have made homes in various nooks and crannies. We’ve also seen schooling bannerfish swirling around the masts, and goatfish sifting through the sand around the hull. This wreck is fantastic for experienced wreck divers looking for a proper penetration, but even outside, the sheer size and the way light plays through the structure makes it a rewarding dive for anyone comfortable with deep wrecks.

Location
Safaga, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
26.698334, 33.938330
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

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 MALDIVE TRANSPORT

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 MALDIVE TRANSPORT

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Maldive Transport wreck dive and what can divers expect to see there?
The Maldive Transport wreck dive has a reported depth of 1m, indicating that at least a portion of its hull or superstructure is very shallow. Divers can expect to explore a significant steam ship vessel, measuring 130.9m x 17.1m, which was built in 1952 and sank in 1972. This wreck offers a unique glimpse into maritime history, showcasing its substantial dimensions.
How challenging is the Maldive Transport wreck dive, and is it suitable for divers with an Open Water certification?
The Maldive Transport wreck dive is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. Due to this rating, it is generally not recommended for divers with only an Open Water certification. Divers should possess more advanced training or experience to safely explore this wreck site.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Maldive Transport wreck site?
Information regarding the typical current and visibility conditions specifically at the Maldive Transport wreck site is not available in the provided data. Divers planning to visit should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions and site specifics in Safaga.
What specific marine life and wreck features are commonly encountered when diving the Maldive Transport?
When diving the Maldive Transport, divers can explore the features of a large steam ship vessel, including its hull and superstructure. The wreck, measuring 130.9m x 17.1m, offers a historical perspective, having been built in 1952 and sunk in 1972 after a fire broke out in its No.3 hold. Specific marine life details are not provided in the available data for this site.
What is the best time of year to dive the Maldive Transport wreck for optimal diving conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Maldive Transport wreck for optimal diving conditions. For information on seasonal variations and ideal diving periods in the Red Sea, Egypt, divers should consult our When to Dive section or local dive centers.
Are there any specific certifications beyond Advanced Open Water recommended for diving the Maldive Transport wreck?
The provided data classifies the Maldive Transport wreck as having an intermediate difficulty. However, it does not specify any particular certifications beyond Advanced Open Water that are recommended for this dive. Divers interested in wreck diving or deeper exploration should consider specialized training to enhance their skills and safety.