Kimon M

The Kimon M is a Greek cargo vessel that struck Abu Nuhas Reef on December 12, 1978 — the earliest of the four major wrecks on this reef, and known as “The Lentil Wreck” for her final cargo.

Overview

The Kimon M was launched as Brunsbuttel on February 11, 1952 and completed in October 1952. Sources disagree on the builder: the Red Sea Wreck Project cites H.C. Stulcken & Sohn Shipyard in Hamburg (Steinwerder) citing shipyard records, while at least one source attributes it to Nordseewerke in Emden — the Hamburg attribution is better supported. The vessel measured 106.4 metres in length and 14.8 metres beam. Her gross tonnage is reported as 3,694 GRT by redseawreckproject.com and divers-guide.com; wrecksatrisk.com reports 3,714 GRT — the discrepancy is noted and unresolved. She sailed under several names: Brunsbuttel (1952), Ciudad de Cucuta (1953), Angela (1964), Kimon (1971), and finally Kimon M (1975), owned at the time of sinking by Ianissos Shipping Company, Panama. On December 12, 1978, en route from Iskenderun, Turkey to Bombay, India, carrying 4,500 tonnes of bagged lentils, she struck Abu Nuhas Reef at full speed. All crew were rescued by the vessel MV Interasja and delivered to Port Suez on December 15, 1978. The wreck lies on its starboard side, with the bow debris at 12–18 metres and the stern at 32 metres on the sandy bottom.

Site Information

• Location: Abu Nuhas Reef, northern Red Sea, Egypt (Strait of Gubal)
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Wreck dive
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 32 meters
• Typical Visibility: 20–35 meters
• Current: Moderate; can be stronger on exposed reef sections
• Best Time: October to May

Entry and Exit

Accessible by liveaboard from Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh, or occasionally by day boat from Hurghada on favourable weather days. The Abu Nuhas reef anchorage is exposed to wind and swell from the north — surface conditions can be rough. Entry via giant stride.

Tips and Recommendations

• If diving Abu Nuhas for the first time, consider diving the Giannis D first to understand reef orientation, then the Kimon M as a second dive
• A primary torch and backup are essential for any interior exploration
• Nitrox extends bottom time at the deeper hull sections — plan accordingly
• Watch for fishing nets and monofilament around the superstructure — carry a cutting tool

Safety Considerations

The 32-metre maximum depth requires careful air management and NDL awareness. Penetration of the Kimon M requires wreck specialty training, redundant lighting, and a reel or line. The wreck has areas of structural instability — avoid forcing entry through collapsed sections. Currents at Abu Nuhas can pick up quickly; always dive with an SMB and signal device.

Sources: Red Sea Wreck Project, Deep Blue Diver, Divers Guide, CDWS, redsea-diving.com. Last updated 2026-06-27.