Wreck Maria Shredder ExposedWreck

The Maria Schröder (the OSM dataset records this as “Maria Shredder”) is the exposed wreck of a Norwegian-built steam cargo ship that ran aground on the Nabq reef on 11 April 1956. The vessel rests on the reef top approximately 100 metres from shore, largely above the waterline, within the Nabq State Natural Reserve north of Sharm El Sheikh.

Overview

Originally named Rolf Jarl, the Maria Schröder was built in Trondheim, Norway at Trondhjems Mekaniske Værksted (yard number 174), with a gross tonnage of 1,917 GRT, a “three-island” design typical of pre-WWII cargo steamers. On 11 April 1956, while en route from Aqaba, Jordan to West Germany, the ship ran aground on the Nabq reef in the Gulf of Aqaba. All efforts to refloat her failed and she was declared a constructive total loss.

Today the wreck’s main hull sits above the waterline, a prominent landmark visible from the beach. A trail of hull plating and debris extends from the starboard side of the reef down to approximately 24 metres. The surrounding reef — part of the Nabq Managed Resource Protected Area — is encrusted with corals and sponges. The shallow, accessible position means the site is popular with snorkellers and beginner divers as well as visitors on day excursions from Sharm El Sheikh who explore on foot at low tide.

Wreck History

• Vessel: Maria Schröder (ex Rolf Jarl)
• Built: Trondheim, Norway (Trondhjems Mekaniske Værksted); 1,917 GRT
• Type: Steam cargo ship, “three-island” design
• Grounded: 11 April 1956 on Nabq reef, Gulf of Aqaba, while en route from Aqaba to West Germany
• Current state: Main hull above water; debris trail to ~24 m depth; approximately 100 m from shore

Dive Profile

• Depth range: 0–24 m (snorkelling to recreational diving depth)
• Entry: Shore (via beach/reef flat at low tide for snorkelling; boat preferable for deeper sections)
• Visibility: Typically 15–25 m in the Gulf of Aqaba
• Currents: Generally mild in this sheltered coastal area

Marine Life

The coral-encrusted wreck supports lionfish, moray eels, schools of reef fish (surgeonfish, wrasse, fusiliers), and assorted invertebrates. The Nabq Protected Area’s fringing reef adjacent to the site adds garden eels in sandy patches and butterflyfish on the coral heads.

Photography

The exposed superstructure makes for dramatic above-water photography; the underwater section offers colourful, well-lit wide-angle shots given the shallow depth and clear Gulf of Aqaba water.

Site Information

• Location: Nabq Nature Reserve, Gulf of Aqaba, ~40 km north of Sharm El Sheikh
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 24 metres (debris trail)

Sources: The Scuba News — Maria Schröder, Wrecks at Risk — Maria Schröder. Last updated 2026-05-17.