SS Carnatic (Wreck - Sha'ab Abu Nuhas)

Overview: The 1869 “Gold Wreck” of Abu Nuhas

Located at the treacherous northern reef of Sha’ab Abu Nuhas, the SS Carnatic is a 90-metre (295-foot) British steam-and-sail passenger and cargo vessel that struck the reef on 12 September 1869 while carrying 40,000 pounds in gold specie to Bombay.

She sits on her port side at a maximum depth of 27 metres, with the stern at 20m and the bow at 18m.

Detailed Dive Route

• The Open Teak Ribs (18m–22m): Over 150 years underwater have rotted away the wooden planking, leaving the iron framework resembling a giant cathedral of iron ribs draped in brilliant soft purple and pink corals.
• The Stern & Square Portholes (22m–27m): Inspect the iconic Victorian square cabin portholes and the massive 3-bladed iron propeller resting in the sand.
• Certification: Advanced Open Water (30m).

Technical Dive Profile & Navigation

1. Entry & Descent Mechanics

• Descent Method: Direct giant-stride or negative back-roll from the boat, descending along the shot line to prevent surface drift.
• Ear Equalization: Equalize continuously every 1 metre during the descent phase to prevent sinus or middle-ear barotrauma.
• Compass Heading & Navigation: Set a primary heading toward the main reef structure. Maintain buddy contact within 2 metres throughout the descent.

2. Deep Section & Gas Management (14m to 27m)

• NDL Discipline: At depths of 27m, your No-Decompression Limit ticks down rapidly. Monitor your dive computer continuously.
• The Craig Rule: Divers certified to Open Water level (18m maximum) must stay on the upper reef shelf and never follow advanced divers down past 18m.
• Turnaround Gas: Signal your buddy and start your ascent when the first diver reaches 110 bar (or one-third of usable cylinder capacity).

3. Ascent & 5m Safety Stop

• Ascent Rate: Ascend along the reef wall at a controlled rate not exceeding 9 metres per minute.
• Mandatory Safety Stop: Complete a strict 3-to-5-minute safety stop at 5 metres (15 feet) before deploying an SMB and surfacing with a 360-degree overhead scan.

Marine Life & Habitat Zones (Biologically Verified)

• Apex & Pelagic Predators: Oceanic Whitetip Sharks (Carcharhinus longimanus), Scalloped Hammerheads (Sphyrna lewini), Giant Trevally (Caranx ignobilis).
• Reef Fish & Keystone Species: Masked Butterflyfish (Chaetodon semilarvatus), Red Sea Anemonefish (Amphiprion bicinctus), Napoleon Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus).
• Macro Biodiversity & Benthic Invertebrates: Red Sea Crocodilefish (Papilloculiceps longiceps), Red Sea Frogfish, Pygmy Sweepers (Parapriacanthus ransonneti).
• Elasmobranchs & Marine Reptiles: Whitetip Reef Sharks (Triaenodon obesus), Giant Morays (Gymnothorax javanicus), Blue-Spotted Ribbontail Rays (Taeniura lymma).