RAAD AL-BAKRY VIII (AFTERPART) - Port Sudan & Sanganeb

The *Raad Al-Bakry VIII* feels like a ghost ship, sitting upright in 24 metres, just waiting for divers to glide over its immense decks. This tanker, formerly *Maya Farber '83*, stretches 175 metres, offering an expansive playground for exploration. We love how the sheer size of the wreck allows for a genuinely immersive experience; you can spend an entire dive just exploring a fraction of it, perhaps the stern, with its massive propeller and rudder, or the bridge area, now heavily encrusted. Inside, the light filters through portholes, illuminating schools of Glassfish that shimmer like scattered diamonds, while robust Groupers patrol the darker corridors. Our favourite part has to be the mast structure, still standing proud, adorned with colourful soft corals swaying gently in the current – a perfect spot for watching the larger pelagics cruise by. Visibility here is often excellent, letting you appreciate the scale of this historical vessel as you approach. We'd suggest getting there earlier in the morning to enjoy the wreck mostly to yourselves before the day boats arrive. It’s a site for divers who appreciate the silent drama of a large, well-preserved wreck and the marine life that has made it home.

Location: Port Sudan & Sanganeb, Sudan, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates: 19.492222, 37.325165
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 24m

Marine Protected Area: Sanganeb Atoll

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 RAAD AL-BAKRY VIII (AFTERPART)

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