ABUSABAA I - Jeddah

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.

Location
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
21.764166, 38.819035
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Wreck History - ABUSABAA I

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.

Best Time to Dive in Jeddah

The warmest water temperatures in Jeddah occur in August, averaging 31.6°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 25.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.4°C
  • February: 25.4°C
  • March: 25.4°C
  • April: 26.7°C
  • May: 28.9°C
  • June: 29.6°C
  • July: 30.0°C
  • August: 31.6°C
  • September: 31.1°C
  • October: 30.9°C
  • November: 30.0°C
  • December: 28.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Jeddah

Nearest Dive Centres to ABUSABAA I

Marine Life in Jeddah

Home to 4 recorded species including 4 reef fish.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ABUSABAA I

Based on average water temperature of 28.7°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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