Wreck Nabq 1ExposedWreck

The exposed wreck recorded at Nabq 1 is almost certainly the Million Hope, the largest shipwreck in the Red Sea. This Japanese bulk carrier ran aground at Nabq Bay reef in June 1996 and lies in 22 metres of water with its superstructure still extending above the surface — visible from shore.

Overview

The Million Hope (originally Ryusei Maru, built in Hiroshima) was a 175-metre bulk carrier with five holds and four gantry cranes, displacing 26,181 gross tonnes. On 19 June 1996, while approaching the Strait of Tiran, a fire broke out aboard. The ship lost control and ran headfirst into the shallow reef at Nabq Bay, approximately 11 kilometres north of Sharm El Sheikh. The wreck came to rest at a maximum depth of 22 metres, with large sections of the hull in less than 10 metres of water and the superstructure above the surface.

The site is only accessible by boat and requires calm sea conditions. The wreck lies on an exposed reef and swell can make entry difficult. When conditions permit, divers can explore the crane structures — which swarm with glass fish — along with the deck, external hull, and surrounding reef. The sheer scale of the wreck (longer than 1.5 football pitches) means a single dive covers only a portion of the site.

Wreck History

• Vessel: Million Hope (ex Ryusei Maru)
• Built: Hiroshima, Japan
• Type: Bulk carrier; 26,181 GRT; 175 m length, 25 m beam
• Grounded: 20 June 1996, Nabq Bay reef, ~11 km north of Sharm El Sheikh
• Cause: Fire aboard caused loss of control; ship hit reef
• Depth: Maximum 22 m; much of hull shallower; superstructure above water

Dive Profile

• Depth range: 5–22 m
• Visibility: Approximately 20–24 m when calm
• Access: Boat only; calm sea conditions required; exposed reef
• Penetration: Not recommended — the wreck is unstable in sections

Marine Life

Glass fish (glassfish) schooling inside the crane structures, crocodilefish, pipefish, nudibranchs, groupers, moray eels, and reef fish around the hull. The surrounding reef supports typical northern Red Sea reef communities.

Photography

The four crane structures with resident glass fish are the signature photographic feature. Wide-angle shots capturing the scale of the hull are possible from the sandy seabed.

Site Information

• Location: Nabq Bay, 11 km north of Sharm El Sheikh, Sinai Peninsula
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 22 metres

Sources: Circle Divers — Million Hope, The Red Sea Wreck Project — Million Hope, DeeperBlue — Million Hope. Last updated 2026-05-17.