CAPTAIN SAALEM - Port Sudan & Sanganeb

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.

Location: Port Sudan & Sanganeb, Sudan, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates: 19.103333, 37.538666
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 20m

Wreck History - CAPTAIN SAALEM

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.

Marine Protected Area: Suakin Archipelago

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

Marine Life in Port Sudan & Sanganeb

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

Notable Species

Orange-lined Triggerfish (Balistapus undulatus) - Reef Fish
Red Sea Clown Surgeon (Acanthurus sohal) - Reef Fish
Halfspotted Hind (Cephalopholis hemistiktos) - Reef Fish
Red-flushed Cod (Aethaloperca rogaa) - Reef Fish
Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus) - Reef Fish
Candelamoa Parrotfish (Hipposcarus harid) - Reef Fish
Threadfin (Chaetodon auriga) - Reef Fish
Bristletoothed Surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus strigosus) - Reef Fish
Pufferfish (Arothron hispidus) - Reef Fish
Banded maori wrasse (Cheilinus fasciatus) - Reef Fish
Common Mushroom Coral (Fungia fungites) - Hard Corals
Staghorn coral (Acropora pharaonis) - Hard Corals
Blacktail Butterflyfish (Chaetodon austriacus) - Reef Fish
Polkadot Cod (Plectropomus areolatus) - Reef Fish
Hound Needlefish (Tylosurus crocodilus) - Reef Fish
Golden Butterflyfish (Chaetodon semilarvatus) - Reef Fish
Armed Squirrel-fish (Neoniphon sammara) - Reef Fish
Humphead Unicornfish (Naso unicornis) - Reef Fish
Lesser valley coral (Platygyra lamellina) - Hard Corals
Picasso triggerfish (Rhinecanthus assasi) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for CAPTAIN SAALEM

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