Wreck Sarah H ExposedWreck

The wreck known locally as “Sarah H” is in fact the SS Kingston, a British iron cargo steamer that ran aground on Shag Rock in the Strait of Gubal on 22 February 1881. For many years the wreck was misidentified and named after a local divemaster, until British wreck researcher Peter Collings confirmed its true identity as the Kingston in 1996.

Overview

The Kingston was built in 1871 at the Oswald Shipbuilding Company yards in Pallion, Sunderland, England. She measured 78 metres (262 feet) in length, weighed 1,436–1,448 GRT, and achieved a cruising speed of 10 knots. On her final voyage, she departed Cardiff on 28 January 1881 carrying 1,740 tonnes of coal bound for Aden, with a crew of 25. On the night of 22 February 1881, she struck Shag Rock Reef at speed in the Strait of Gubal. Despite attempts to free the vessel by jettisoning coal, rescue efforts failed and the ship sank on 20 February (some accounts give 22 February as the grounding date). No crew were lost.

The wreck now lies completely upright at the base of Shag Rock, with the bow at approximately 5–10 metres and the stern at around 17 metres, making it an excellent recreational dive. The hull is heavily colonised by hard and soft corals, providing habitats for a wide variety of reef species. The impressive coral garden surrounding the wreck makes it a favourite among underwater photographers in the South Sinai area.

Wreck History

• Vessel: SS Kingston
• Built: 1871, Pallion (Sunderland), England; Oswald Shipbuilding Co.
• Type: Iron screw steamer; 1,436–1,448 GRT
• Dimensions: ~78 m length, 10 m beam
• Last cargo: 1,740 tonnes of coal; Cardiff to Aden
• Grounded/sunk: February 1881, Shag Rock Reef, Strait of Gubal
• Misidentification: Long called “Sara H” or “Sarah H” after a local divemaster; true identity confirmed 1996 by Peter Collings
• Depth: 5–17 m (bow shallower, stern deeper)
• Orientation: Upright on sandy bottom

Dive Profile

• Depth range: 5–17 m
• Conditions: Moderate; currents can run through the Strait of Gubal — time dives at slack water when possible
• Best time: Second dive of the day (shallow depth ideal)
• Visibility: 15–25 m

Marine Life

Dense coral encrustation hosts anthias, chromis, parrotfish, wrasse, groupers, and moray eels. Sandy patches around the hull support blue-spotted stingrays and flatfish. The wreck’s shallow position brings strong light for excellent colour and photography.

Photography

Regarded as one of the best underwater photography sites in South Sinai due to the combination of clear water, ambient light at shallow depth, and photogenic coral-covered hull. The coral colonies on the iron hull are well-established and colourful.

Site Information

• Location: Shag Rock, Strait of Gubal (near Sharm El Sheikh)
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 17 metres

Sources: The Scuba News — The Kingston (aka Sarah H), Blue Force Fleet — Kingston Wreck, ScubaDiving.place — Kingston/Sarah H. Last updated 2026-05-17.