Zingara

The Zingara — also known as the Kormoran — is a shallow exposed shipwreck sitting on the northern side of Laguna Reef in the Straits of Tiran. Its stern protrudes above the waterline, making it a recognisable landmark. The wreck is completely broken, scattered across a coral reef in 10–12 metres of water, and conditions must be calm to dive here.

Overview

The vessel was built in 1963 at the Rostock shipyards in East Germany as the Kormoran, a general cargo ship 82.4 metres in length. It changed names to Adamastos and then Zingara in 1980, and was registered in Naples by the time of its loss. On 21 August 1984, the Zingara was sailing from Aqaba, Jordan, with a cargo of phosphate when a navigational error caused it to strike the northern side of Laguna Reef in the Straits of Tiran (28°01.063′ N, 34°29.242′ E). The impact destroyed the bow and opened two large cracks in the hull. Salvage attempts failed, and the wreck was declared a total loss.

Today the vessel is “completely broken” — the midsection lies as a scattered metal debris field in less than 12 metres of water, while the stern remains partially above the surface. Well-preserved sections include the stern, propeller, and six-cylinder engine. The surrounding coral reef, with both hard and soft corals, is itself a photogenic attraction.

Wreck History

• Vessel: Zingara (ex Kormoran, ex Adamastos)
• Built: 1963, Rostock, East Germany; 1,744 GRT, 2,733 t displacement
• Dimensions: 82.4 m length, 12.7 m beam
• Grounded: 21 August 1984, Laguna Reef, Straits of Tiran (28° 00′ 16″ N, 34° 29′ 03″ E per Wikipedia)
• Cargo: Phosphate from Aqaba
• Current state: Completely broken; stern above water; debris in 10–12 m

Dive Profile

• Depth: 10–15 m maximum
• Visibility: Variable — good in calm conditions, poor when swell stirs up sediment
• Currents: Best visited in the afternoon when tidal flow is weakest
• Dive style: Wreck exploration, coral reef

Marine Life

The hard and soft coral formations on and around the wreck support reef fish typical of the Tiran area: anthias, chromis, wrasse, fusiliers, and the occasional moray eel or grouper in the wreck structure. The surrounding Laguna Reef adds coral garden variety.

Entry and Exit

Boat only. The site is only accessible in calm sea conditions due to its exposed position. Afternoon visits when swell is lowest are preferred. The wreck is the only dive in the Tiran Straits recommended for Open Water certified divers.

Photography

The stern, propeller, and engine make attractive wide-angle subjects, particularly when the water is clear. Macro subjects including nudibranchs may be found on the encrusted metal.

Site Information

• Location: Laguna Reef, Straits of Tiran, Sinai Peninsula (near Sharm El Sheikh)
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 15 metres

Sources: Wikipedia — Zingara (ship), Circle Divers — Kormoran/Zingara, Red Sea Diving — Kormoran Wreck. Last updated 2026-05-17.