SAD EL FURAT (POSSIBLY) - Eilat

SAD EL FURAT, or what we believe to be her scattered remains, sits in the shallows just north of Eilat’s port. This isn’t your classic intact wreck, not by a long shot. Instead, you're looking at the fragmented bones of a substantial tanker, sunk in 1969 during the Suez hostilities. What we love about this site is its accessibility and the sheer volume of metal spread across the seafloor. The wreckage itself is fascinating; enormous plates of rusted steel, twisted girders, and machinery parts lie strewn across the sandy bottom. Sunlight dapples through the water, illuminating the ghostly shapes. It’s shallow, never deeper than three meters, which makes it perfect for a long, relaxed dive or even an extended snorkel. We’ve spent ages here just tracing the outlines of collapsed bulkheads, imagining the vessel’s former scale. Triggerfish patrol the larger pieces, and we often spot pipefish tucked into crevices. Keep an eye out for small nudibranchs too, clinging to the rust. It’s a site that rewards patience and a keen eye for detail, offering a tangible piece of history without the need for deep diving certification.

Location
Eilat, Israel, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
29.944584, 32.555695
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Nearby Dive Sites in Eilat

Nearest Dive Centres to SAD EL FURAT (POSSIBLY)

Marine Life in Eilat

Home to 147 recorded species including 100 reef fish, 16 hard corals, 8 sea snails & nudibranchs, 5 whales & dolphins, 4 clams & mussels, 3 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth range at Sad El Furat?
The Sad El Furat dive site is quite shallow, with a reported depth of 3 meters. This makes it accessible for divers looking for a shallower wreck experience. You can explore this fascinating wreck in Eilat at this depth.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at Sad El Furat?
The Sad El Furat dive site is a wreck dive, featuring the remains of a large tanker vessel. Divers can expect to explore the underwater topography created by this 170.7m x 21.9m ship, which was built in 1960 and sank in 1969. The site is classified as a wreck showing any portion of its hull or superstructure.
How difficult is the Sad El Furat dive site, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
The Sad El Furat dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. This means it is suitable for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certifications. While not recommended for absolute beginners, it offers a rewarding experience for those comfortable with wreck diving and its associated challenges.
What is the best time of year to dive at Sad El Furat for optimal weather and underwater conditions?
Our current data for the Sad El Furat dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal weather and underwater conditions. For general information on diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide for Israel.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required or highly recommended to dive at Sad El Furat?
Given the intermediate difficulty rating of the Sad El Furat dive site, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. While specific certifications are not explicitly listed in our data, proficiency in wreck diving techniques and good buoyancy control are highly recommended for exploring this site safely.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility levels experienced at the Sad El Furat dive site?
Our records for the Sad El Furat dive site do not currently provide specific details on typical current conditions or visibility levels. For more general information about diving in Eilat, it is always advisable to consult local dive operators.