ABSIT OMEN
Why dive here
With 55+ marine species recorded in the area - including pufferfish - ABSIT OMEN offers some of Port Sudan & Sanganeb's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 25-32°C, warmest July, August, September.
Absit Omen sits at zero metres. Not "zero to" some depth, just zero. This isn't a dive site in the traditional sense, but it’s one of our favourite spots to drop the anchor, stretch out, and maybe do a bit of snorkelling. This old motor vessel, grounded on Elba Reef back in '55 and declared a total loss, really feels like a permanent fixture of the reef now. Its skeletal remains poke out of the water, a stark reminder of the sea's power, yet below the surface, it’s a nursery. We love finning around the exposed sections, where waves have smoothed the metal and soft corals have started to fuzz the edges. You’ll spot juvenile parrotfish picking at algae, and small groups of damselfish darting between the rusty plates. It’s shallow enough that you can really take your time, watching the light play through the wreck’s shadows. Perfect for a calm afternoon, a long snorkel, or for buddy teams looking for an easy, relaxing drift over some history before dinner.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
ABSIT OMEN Wreck History
Year Sunk
1955
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding
In a case of profound irony, the motor vessel Absit Omen-a Latin phrase meaning "let there be no ill omen"-met its unfortunate end on February 1, 1955. The ship's luck ran out when it stranded hard on the treacherous Elba Reef off the coast of Sudan. Despite its hopeful name, the vessel could not be saved and was declared a total loss, left to be claimed by the Red Sea.
Because it grounded on a shallow reef, the Absit Omen is a fascinating wreck that remains partially visible above the water's surface. Its rusting hull and superstructure break the waves, serving as a stark warning to other vessels and a dramatic landmark for divers and snorkelers. Below the surface, the submerged sections of the ship have transformed into a vibrant artificial reef. The wreckage is now encrusted with colorful hard and soft corals and provides a home for countless reef fish, making it a spectacular and easily accessible site for underwater photography and exploration.
Reviews for ABSIT OMEN
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ABSIT OMEN
ABSIT OMEN Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ABSIT OMEN, sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
32.01°C
90°F
Current Speed
4 cm/s
Direction: N (0°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.097 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
36.62 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
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