ABUSABAA I
Why dive here
ABUSABAA I is a wreck dive in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Water ranges 25-32°C, warmest August, September, October.
Abusabaa I, a carrier vessel that went down carrying marble in 1979, is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. She sits at a comfortable 15 meters, making her accessible for most divers, and you can spend a good hour exploring without feeling rushed. We love the way the light filters through the superstructure, highlighting schools of fusiliers that hang in the deeper holds. Look closely for pipefish camouflaged against the encrusted metal and the occasional octopus peeking from a dark corner. The wreck itself, 92 meters long, is still remarkably intact. We often find ourselves circling the stern, admiring the massive propeller, now home to clouds of glassfish. Swim-throughs are plentiful and relatively open, though a torch is always a good idea to peer into the deeper recesses. The cargo of marble slabs is still visible in places, creating a stark contrast with the vibrant corals that have started to colonise the decks. We'd suggest going in the morning; the visibility tends to be at its best, and you might have the whole site to yourself before the day boats arrive. It’s a fantastic dive for anyone who enjoys history with their marine life, offering plenty to see without any serious current to contend with.
Typical ABUSABAA I Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
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.
ABUSABAA I Wreck History
Year Sunk
1979
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding
The Abusabaa I was a carrier vessel built in 1953 in Elsinore, Denmark. For over two decades, she plied the seas, transporting goods between various ports. At the time of her loss, she was owned by Seawinner Marine Ltd. and was undertaking a voyage from Taranto, Italy, to her final destination of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, laden with a cargo of marble.
On December 15, 1979, as she neared the Saudi coast, the Abusabaa I ran into trouble. The vessel grounded hard on a reef system known as Shi'b al, sealing her fate. The ship was lost to the sea, coming to rest on the seabed where she has remained ever since.
Today, the Abusabaa I is an excellent wreck dive, lying at an accessible depth of 15 meters. The Red Sea has transformed her steel structure into a thriving artificial reef, colonized by colorful corals and swarming with local fish life. Divers can explore the ship's remains, which are still relatively intact, and may even spot remnants of her marble cargo scattered on the seabed, a lasting testament to her final voyage.
Nearest Dive Centres to ABUSABAA I
Dive shops near ABUSABAA I
17Sixty
West Coast Diver
Al-Haddad Scuba
Safety Stop Dive Center
Al-Haddad SCUBA - Sheraton Resort
Dive Destination
Reviews for ABUSABAA I
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ABUSABAA I
ABUSABAA I Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ABUSABAA I, sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
31.58°C
89°F
Current Speed
5.83 cm/s
Direction: SW (211°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.089 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
36.29 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
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