KATSURAGI - Jeddah

The Katsuragi isn't just a wreck; it's a monumental metal city beneath the waves, and we absolutely love it for its sheer scale. This container ship, grounded hard back in '92, sits remarkably shallow at 15 metres, making it accessible for extended bottom times. What really strikes you here is the incredible sense of place, the sheer size of something so out of context underwater. You'll spend an entire dive just trying to wrap your head around its length, swimming past giant cranes that once handled cargo, now encrusted and home to a surprising amount of Red Sea life. We've seen schools of snapper darting in and out of the skeletal remains of containers, and triggerfish nipping at the corals that have started to colonise the ship's superstructure. The bow section is particularly dramatic, rising towards the surface like a rusted fortress. For photographers, the scale creates some fantastic wide-angle opportunities, especially when the sun is high and piercing through the shallower parts. It’s a site that really rewards careful exploration, not just a quick swim-through. Our favourite part has to be the cargo holds; they offer cavernous, eerie spaces to peek into, though always with an eye on your depth and no penetration unless you're properly trained. Just be aware of potential strong currents that can sweep across the deck on some days.

Location

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Red Sea & Middle East

Coordinates

21.217361, 39.033780

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

15m