CAPTAIN SAALEM
Protected Area
Suakin Archipelago
Why dive here
With 55+ marine species recorded in the area - including pufferfish - CAPTAIN SAALEM offers some of Port Sudan & Sanganeb's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 25-32°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Captain Saalem is a fresh wreck, only having gone down in 2017. That means it still feels very much like a ship, not yet fully reclaimed by the sea. We love exploring the bridge and engine room, which are surprisingly intact and make for some atmospheric swim-throughs, particularly if you have a decent torch. Schools of barracuda often circle the mast, and we've regularly seen large trevally hunting around the bow. It’s a shallower dive, maxing out at 20m, which makes for long bottom times and plenty of light to really appreciate the structure. This site is perfect for newer wreck divers or those who enjoy seeing the early stages of a wreck’s transformation into an artificial reef. Our tip: go early in the morning for the best visibility before any boat traffic stirs things up.
Typical CAPTAIN SAALEM Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 20m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
CAPTAIN SAALEM Wreck History
Year Sunk
2017
Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown
Sinking on May 22, 2017, the Captain Saalem is one of the newest and most mysterious wrecks in the Sudanese Red Sea. Located near the legendary diving areas of Port Sudan and Sanganeb Reef, this vessel sits at a perfect recreational depth of 20 meters. Little is publicly known about the ship's type or the circumstances of its demise, adding an intriguing layer of discovery for those who explore it.
As a very recent wreck, the Captain Saalem offers a rare opportunity to see a ship almost exactly as it was when it sank. Its structures are fully intact, with paint still visible and equipment scattered as if awaiting its crew's return. Divers can explore a pristine vessel before the full force of marine colonization takes hold. It's a fascinating chance to witness the very beginning of an artificial reef's life cycle, set against the backdrop of Sudan's world-class visibility and abundant marine biodiversity.
Reviews for CAPTAIN SAALEM
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for CAPTAIN SAALEM
CAPTAIN SAALEM Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for CAPTAIN SAALEM, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (19.94, 37.4) (17km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
31°C
88°F · Range: 29.9–32.3°C
Current Speed
7.07 cm/s
Direction: S (171.9°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.088 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
37.37 PSU
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)
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