wreck

Log This Dive

MATZO XXIII

The Matzo XXIII. Now there's a name that sticks with you. We love a good Red Sea wreck, and this one, sitting pretty in the Dahlak Archipelago, truly stands out. It's an old Eritrean naval vessel, a patrol boat, actually, that met its end during the border war with Ethiopia back in the late 90s. The story adds a layer, doesn't it? She’s shallow, just 10 metres, so bottom time is never an issue here. What you'll find is a wreck draped in history and, more importantly for us, a thriving new ecosystem. We’ve seen schools of snapper circling the mast, bannerfish darting in and out of the bridge, and the occasional turtle napping on the deck. The visibility is usually excellent, so you can really appreciate the ship's lines, even after all these years. It’s a photographer’s dream, particularly with the sun filtering through the water onto the superstructure. We'd suggest getting there early, before any wind picks up, to really make the most of the glassy surface. It's a proper adventure for anyone who enjoys wreck diving without the pressure of depth or strong currents.