Zabargad West

The western side of Zabargad Island (also known as St. John’s Island) is home to a sheltered bay that protects one of the Red Sea’s most intriguing dive sites: the wreck of a former Soviet surveillance vessel, known locally as the Khanka or “Russian Wreck.” The wreck rests at 24 metres in the bay, and the surrounding reef offers sloping coral walls and a resident diversity of pelagic and reef species.

Overview

Zabargad Island is Egypt’s largest offshore island in the deep south of the Red Sea, located approximately 70 km from the mainland near the Sudanese border. It is accessible only by liveaboard — typically on “South” or “Deep South” itineraries departing from Port Ghalib or Marsa Alam. The western bay provides the main sheltered anchorage and night diving area for liveaboards.

The Khanka is a roughly 70-metre vessel whose design closely resembles the Soviet MOMA-class (Project 861M), originally built for oceanographic research but often used for signals intelligence. Sinking is estimated around 1970 based on coral growth, though the circumstances remain unknown — two large openings in the bow and stern allowed flooding, whether by accident or design. The bow has separated from the main hull and lies on its port side; the remaining hull sits nearly keel-down with a slight lean. The main mast breaks the surface at low tide, making this a natural navigation reference. The hull, deck, and superstructure are extensively covered in corals.

Features accessible to divers include the cargo holds (bow section), the bridge and chart room, engine room (via hatches), large winches, anchor chains, and the helm and control room remnants. Much onboard equipment was removed prior to or shortly after sinking, though Cyrillic markings and evidence of antenna arrays are still visible.

Wreck History

• Vessel: Khanka (identity unconfirmed; MOMA-class design)
• Type: Soviet oceanographic / surveillance vessel; approximately 70 m length
• Sunk: Estimated circa 1970 (based on coral growth)
• Cause: Unknown; two large hull openings in bow and stern
• Depth: Maximum 24 m; mast breaks surface at low tide
• GPS (western bay): N 23° 36.854′, E 36° 12.386′
• Access: By liveaboard only

Dive Profile

• Depth range: 2–24 m (mast at 2 m surface; maximum wreck depth 24 m)
• Currents: Minimal in the sheltered western bay
• Visibility: 15–30 m
• Penetration: Experienced divers only for narrow internal spaces; the site occasionally closes due to military restrictions

Marine Life

The western bay and reef slope support hammerhead sharks, oceanic whitetip sharks, grey reef sharks, sea turtles (including nesting greens in summer), moray eels, octopuses, crocodilefish, and a variety of reef fish. The coral-covered wreck is itself a miniature reef with anthias and damselfish.

Photography

The wreck’s coral-encrusted hull, Cyrillic markings, and accessible bridge structure make for atmospheric wide-angle photography. The mast breaking the surface creates a dramatic reference shot.

Safety

Internal penetration of the wreck requires appropriate training and equipment. The site may be subject to military access restrictions. Confirm access with your liveaboard operator before diving.

Site Information

• Location: Western bay, Zabargad Island, deep southern Red Sea (~70 km offshore, near Sudan border)
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 24–30 m (reef slope beyond wreck)

Sources: Red Sea Diving — The Shipwreck of Zabargad, The Scuba News — The Khanka, No Troubles Just Bubbles — Zabargad Island. Last updated 2026-05-17.