Wreck Um Qamar

The Wreck Um Qamar is a small patrol or supply vessel that sank while on passage to Shadwan Island and now lies in 25–35 metres at the southern point of Sha’ab Um Qamar (also spelled Sha’ab Umm Gamar) reef. The site is part of a multi-wreck reef system that also includes the deep technical wrecks of the Gulf Fleet 31 (90–103 m) and the Colona IV liveaboard (66 m), making Sha’ab Um Qamar one of the Red Sea’s most varied wreck dive locations.

Overview

Sha’ab Um Qamar is a finger-shaped reef in the northern Red Sea, positioned between the African and Asian tectonic plates — a fact reflected in the extraordinary depth of the seabed on either side. The shallow patrol/supply vessel at the southern point is the most accessible wreck on the reef for recreational divers. The vessel’s identity has not been confirmed in available sources; references describe it only as a “small patrol/supply vessel” that sank en route to Shedwan Island.

At 25–35 metres, the wreck sits at the edge of recreational diving range. The structure is encrusted with corals and provides shelter for reef fish and invertebrates. The reef slope surrounding the southern point drops steeply, offering wall diving alongside the wreck exploration.

Dive Profile

• Depth: 25–35 m (wreck); shallower reef sections above
• Entry: Boat only
• Currents: Can be present on the reef edges; check conditions
• Visibility: Typically 20–25 m

Marine Life

Reef fish typical of the northern Red Sea: groupers, moray eels, lionfish, anthias, fusiliers, and surgeonfish on the reef slope. The wreck structure harbours cleaning stations and invertebrates. Open water above the reef tip may produce pelagic sightings.

Safety

The 35-metre maximum depth is at the limit of recreational diving — nitrox recommended to maximise bottom time. Ascend conservatively and always conduct a safety stop. The proximity to very deep water means buoyancy control is important at the reef edge.

Site Information

• Location: Sha’ab Um Qamar (Sha’ab Umm Gamar) reef, northern Red Sea
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 35 metres

Sources: InDEPTH — Exploring Deep Technical Wrecks in the Red Sea. The specific vessel identity has not been confirmed from available sources. No site-specific dive descriptions were located. Last updated 2026-05-17.