BLUE BELT - Port Sudan & Sanganeb

The Blue Belt, for us, is one of those genuinely surprising wrecks. Not because it’s a “carrier vessel” in the modern sense, but because it’s an old freighter, built in 1905, that went down in ’77 with a load of trucks and spares. Imagine an old ship, 103 metres long, sitting upright at 40 metres. You descend, and suddenly the sheer size of it just looms out of the blue. What makes it special? It’s the cargo. We’ve finned through the hold, past the skeletal remains of old lorries, their chassis now part of the reef, covered in soft corals. The light filters down, catching the dust motes and illuminating the ghostly shapes of these vehicles. It’s a strange, almost eerie feeling. Outside, the superstructure is draped in gorgonian fans and the usual Red Sea suspects – parrotfish grazing, snapper schooling. We love the bridge area; it’s largely intact and you can still poke around the wheelhouse. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the prop is still there, huge and green with growth. It’s a deeper dive, hitting 40m, so it’s definitely one for experienced divers comfortable with depth and perhaps a bit of current, though it’s usually mild here.

Location
Port Sudan & Sanganeb, Sudan, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
20.225000, 37.275000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Wreck History - BLUE BELT

Year Sunk
1977
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
fire

The Blue Belt had a long career, having been built in 1905 by Howaldtswerke AG in Hamburg. Her final voyage in December 1977 was from Jeddah to Port Sudan, carrying a full cargo of Toyota trucks, trailers, and spare parts. During the journey, a fire broke out on board and began to rage out of control.

To prevent the burning ship from sinking and blocking the vital shipping channel into Port Sudan, the captain made the decision to deliberately run her aground on the nearby reef. The vessel subsequently capsized and slid down the reef, coming to rest completely upside down. Today, she is famously known as the 'Upside-Down Wreck'.

Resting on a steep slope, the Blue Belt is a world-class dive for experienced divers. The stern lies at around 40 meters, with the rest of the ship plunging much deeper. The most iconic sight is the cargo of Toyota trucks, still chained to the deck and hanging eerily upside down in the blue. Exploring the inverted superstructure and holds provides a unique and disorienting thrill, making this one of the most memorable wrecks in the Red Sea.

Marine Protected Area: Parc national marin de Sanganeb et parc national marin de la baie de Dungonab - île de Mukkawar

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 BLUE BELT

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving the Blue Belt (Toyota Wreck) in Sudan?
The maximum depth for diving the Blue Belt wreck in Sudan is 40 meters. This makes it a fascinating deep wreck dive, suitable for appropriately certified divers with experience in such depths.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Blue Belt dive site?
Divers exploring the Blue Belt can expect to see the impressive features of a 103.8m x 14.3m carrier vessel, which sank in 1977. The wreck still holds its cargo of trucks, a trailer, and spares, offering unique exploration opportunities. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided data, wrecks often become vibrant artificial reefs, attracting various marine species over time.
How challenging is the Blue Belt dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Blue Belt dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. With a maximum depth of 40 meters, it is not suitable for beginner divers who typically have depth restrictions. Divers should possess appropriate experience and certifications for deep wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to dive the Blue Belt wreck for optimal conditions or marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or marine life sightings at the Blue Belt wreck. For general guidance on diving seasons in Sudan, you may want to consult our When to Dive section for broader regional information.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Blue Belt (Toyota Wreck)?
Given the Blue Belt's intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 40 meters, divers would typically require certifications such as Advanced Open Water Diver and possibly Deep Diver or Wreck Diver specialties. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary training and experience to safely explore such a deep and complex wreck. Always check with your dive operator for specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Blue Belt dive site in Sudan?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current conditions or visibility at the Blue Belt dive site in Sudan. It is always advisable to consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions before planning your dive.