ANTONIO 111 - Port Sudan & Sanganeb

The Antonio 111 isn't about deep dives or dramatic drop-offs; it’s about history you can touch, right on the surface. We love this site because it’s a tangible piece of Sudan’s past, a cargo ship that ran aground, its bow now a sun-baked monument breaching the Red Sea. You can snorkel around the exposed hull, watching needlefish dart through the reflections, or even clamber onto the deck itself. It’s a strange, beautiful feeling to stand on a wreck that’s still very much a part of the living ocean, with schools of fusiliers swirling around the submerged sections just below your feet. For photographers, it’s a dream – the interplay of light and shadow on the rusty superstructure is phenomenal, especially at sunrise or sunset. Our favourite shot is looking from the bow towards the shore, capturing the vastness of the Red Sea and the starkness of the desert beyond. Below the waterline, the wreck’s keel is home to a surprising array of creatures, small groupers, and moray eels peeking from the nooks. It’s not a challenging dive, making it perfect for those wanting a unique perspective on a wreck without the deep dive commitment. We’d suggest going early to avoid any wind chop, making the climb onto the deck much easier.

Location
Port Sudan & Sanganeb, Sudan, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
21.244444, 37.200000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - ANTONIO 111

Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

Lying stranded on the vibrant reefs near Port Sudan, the wreck of the 'Antonio 111' is a dramatic sight for any diver or snorkeler in the area. With parts of its hull and superstructure breaking the surface, this 79-meter vessel serves as a stark warning of the navigational dangers that have claimed countless ships in the Red Sea. The history of the 'Antonio 111' is obscure, but it most likely met its end by running aground on the very reef it now decorates. The shallow nature of the wreck makes it an excellent site for photography, with the sunlit, coral-encrusted steel contrasting sharply against the blue water. Marine life has turned this maritime casualty into a thriving artificial reef, with schools of fish seeking shelter within its skeletal remains.

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 ANTONIO 111

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