ABSIT OMEN - Port Sudan & Sanganeb

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.

Location
Port Sudan & Sanganeb, Sudan, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
22.016666, 37.016666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - ABSIT OMEN

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.

Best Time to Dive in Port Sudan & Sanganeb

The warmest water temperatures in Port Sudan & Sanganeb occur in August, averaging 32.0°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 25.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.1°C
  • February: 25.4°C
  • March: 25.5°C
  • April: 26.7°C
  • May: 29.0°C
  • June: 30.1°C
  • July: 31.0°C
  • August: 32.0°C
  • September: 31.7°C
  • October: 30.9°C
  • November: 29.5°C
  • December: 28.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Port Sudan & Sanganeb

Marine Life in Port Sudan & Sanganeb

Home to 55 recorded species including 41 reef fish, 14 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ABSIT OMEN

Based on average water temperature of 28.8°C, currents 9 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