Al Fahal vis Wreck - Jeddah

The Al Fahal wreck, visible right from the surface, gives you a sense of its history before you even get in the water. We love a wreck that tells a story, and this one, sitting broken on the reef, certainly does. Dropping down, you’ll find sections of the hull have become home to so many fish. It’s not a deep dive, making it perfect for longer bottom times and really soaking in the atmosphere. As you explore, keep an eye out for the resident dusky angelfish flitting between twisted metal, and we always spot a few Picasso triggerfish eyeing us from the coral growth. The Red Sea clown surgeons often school here, a shimmering curtain against the darker hulk of the ship. Our favourite detail? The way the light filters through the gaps, illuminating patches of staghorn coral that have taken root. This isn't a wreck for penetration, but it's fantastic for circling, observing the way life has reclaimed the structure. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially in the late morning sun.

Location
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
22.254500, 38.952667
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Al Fahal vis Wreck

Year Sunk
1978
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
3,138 GRT

The wreck often referred to in conjunction with the Al Fahal reef system is the Greek cargo ship, the SS Staphonos. In 1978, while en route to Jeddah with a full load of construction materials, including pipes, steel cables, and rebar, the Staphonos made a fatal navigational error. It struck the reef hard, grounding itself firmly upon the coral. Efforts to refloat the vessel failed, and it was eventually abandoned to the sea, where waves and weather broke it in two.

Today, the Staphonos, also known as the 'Cable Wreck' due to its cargo, is one of Jeddah's most popular dive sites. The wreck lies in two distinct sections. The bow rests on its side on the shallow reef top at around 8 meters, while the stern has slipped down the reef wall to a depth of 24 meters. The debris field between the two sections is a fascinating scatter of its cargo, with giant spools of steel cable creating a unique underwater landscape. The entire wreck is now a vibrant artificial reef, teeming with Red Sea life, including schools of goatfish, resident moray eels, and occasional visits from turtles and eagle rays.

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 Al Fahal vis Wreck

Marine Life in Jeddah

Home to 4 recorded species including 4 reef fish.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Al Fahal vis Wreck

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