The SS Dunraven is a classic Red Sea wreck with a story that stretches back to the 19th century. Built in Newcastle, England, in 1873, this British steamship was sailing from India to the United Kingdom when, one dark night in April 1876, it struck the Sha’ab Mahmoud reef, located southeast of Ras Mohamed. The entire crew survived, but the ship sank and now lies peacefully beneath the surface — a time capsule of maritime history.
Resting upside down on the seabed, the Dunraven’s bow sits at around 15 meters, sloping down to 29 meters at the stern. The wreck offers an atmospheric dive as you glide along its spine toward the stern, passing remnants of rigging, the crow’s nest, and sections of the broken hull.
Divers can enter through a large opening near the stern to explore the interior, where sunlight filters through the ruptured metal, illuminating boilers, ladders, and old machinery. Inside, shimmering swarms of glassfish fill the space, and a large resident moray eel often hides in the shadows.
The dive ends along the nearby vibrant reef, home to soft porites corals in soft hues of pink, green, yellow, and blue — a calm and colorful contrast to the historic wreck that rests below
29 M
Intermediate
Get ready to dive into history with the SS Dunraven, one of the most fascinating wrecks in the Red Sea. Built in Newcastle, England in 1873, this British steamship sank in April 1876 after striking the Sha’ab Mahmoud reef, southeast of Ras Mohamed. Although the ship was lost, all crew members were safely rescued — leaving behind a spectacular wreck that has become a favorite among divers worldwide.
The Dunraven now lies upside down on the seabed, with the bow at around 15m and the stern resting at 29m. The dive usually begins at the bow, following the length of the wreck toward the stern. Along the way, you’ll notice the remains of her rigging and crow’s nest, still visible on the sea floor — a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the ship’s past.
At about 28m, divers can enter the wreck through an opening in the hull. Sunlight streams through the broken sides, illuminating the boilers, ladders, and emergency valves that tell the story of this old vessel. Inside, schools of glassfish shimmer in the light, while a massive resident moray eel often makes an appearance.
The dive ends along a vibrant coral reef at around 9m, where colorful porites corals paint the scene with shades of pink, yellow, green, and blue — the perfect way to finish a dive that blends history, beauty, and adventure.
