AN ANNE (PROBABLY)

The An Anne was a bulk carrier built in 1962 by Lithgows in Port Glasgow, Scotland, another proud vessel from the River Clyde. For two decades, she served her role in global commerce. In February 1983, while under the ownership of the Planet Shipping Corporation, she was on a passage from Aqaba, Jordan, to Karachi, Pakistan. Her journey came to an abrupt and final halt when she ran hard aground on the treacherous Abu Farnish reef system, not far from the port of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

The vessel was a total loss, but its demise created one of the most accessible and enjoyable wreck dives in the region. Lying in just 10 meters of water, the An Anne is perfect for divers of all certification levels, including snorkelers. The powerful Red Sea currents and waves have broken the massive ship apart, scattering its superstructure and hull sections across the reef top, creating a fascinating underwater scrapyard to explore.

Today, the An Anne is a thriving artificial reef, teeming with life. The warm, clear waters have encouraged prolific coral growth all over the metal structures. It's a kaleidoscope of color, home to countless reef fish, including clownfish, angelfish, and triggerfish, while moray eels and lionfish peek out from the wreckage. Exploring the shallow, sunlit remains of this huge vessel is a highlight of diving in the Jeddah area.