Diving atEl Mina Wreck (Egypt)
Viewing the El Mina wreck means descending to a historic Egyptian minesweeper, lying on its port side across a seabed that slopes from 25 m / 82 ft at the bow to 33 m / 108 ft at the stern. Visibility at this site can extend up to 10 m / 33 ft, allowing divers to appreciate the vessel's structure and the details of its wartime demise. This dive offers a poignant glimpse into modern history beneath the waves.
Current morning readings from El Mina Wreck indicate an air temperature of 34.5°C. Surface wave heights are averaging around 0.1 m at this time. These local measurements provide a baseline for your daily dive planning.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Everything you need to know about this dive site.
Dive Site Overview
Exploring the El Mina means tracing the history of a Russian-made T-43 minesweeper, now an evocative artificial reef. This vessel met its end in 1969 or 1970, struck by Israeli fighter planes during a period of regional conflict, and now lies on its port side.
The ship measures approximately 60-70 m / 197-230 ft in length, presenting a substantial structure for advanced divers to navigate. Descending towards the stern, divers encounter the vessel's impressive anti-aircraft guns, still mounted and pointing skyward, alongside robust deck winches.
It's a striking sight, preserved largely as it was in its final moments. Moving forward along the hull, a prominent blast hole is visible on the starboard side, indicating the impact point that led to the sinking; this gaping wound provides a dramatic focal point.
The ship's fore-deck guns, in contrast to the intact stern armament, were evidently sheared off during the sinking event itself. Despite the forces that brought it down, the El Mina wreck maintains a remarkably good state of preservation.
Its propellers remain in place, and the general structure invites careful examination. Divers can appreciate the intricacies of its wartime design and its transformation into a vibrant habitat without requiring extensive internal penetration. The dive offers a profound engagement with a piece of modern naval history.
El Mina Wreck
Conditions are Excellent
Best Dive Window
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near El Mina Wreck show 35° air, 27° sea temperature, 0.6 m waves, and 19 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
Deciding when to visit El Mina often depends on your preference for water warmth, though diving here is feasible year-round. For divers who prefer really warm waters, the period between June and September is ideal, with sea temperatures potentially rising to 30°C / 86°F. Conversely, winter months, from December to February, see average sea temperatures settling between 20-22°C / 68-72°F. Air temperatures range from comfortable averages of 18-21°C / 64-70°F in winter to much warmer averages of 31-33°C / 88-91°F during peak summer. Rainfall is minimal throughout the year, often negligible, ensuring clear skies. Average wind speeds typically range from 23-30 km/h / 14-19 mph, influencing surface conditions.
PEAK SEASON SCORE
Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.
BEST MONTHS TO DIVE
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Experiencing this wreck often starts with calm surface conditions, making it a viable alternative when other Red Sea sites are too rough. While generally serene, currents can occasionally surge from the north, requiring divers to remain vigilant and monitor air consumption closely. However, the wreck's structure itself offers substantial shelter behind its decks, providing respite from stronger flows. It rests on a rocky seabed, gradually sloping from a bow depth of 25 m / 82 ft down to 32-33 m / 105-108 ft at the stern. Visibility here is typically good, often up to 10 m / 33 ft, though conditions can vary. An advanced diver certification is recommended for this site, given its depth and potential for currents.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Approaching the El Mina wreck requires a mindful awareness of its unique challenges. Divers must exercise extreme caution regarding live ammunition scattered on the seabed around the vessel; it's imperative not to touch any such remnants. While some areas, like the blast hole, might appear suitable, general wreck penetration is not recommended due to tight and confined passages within the minesweeper. Currents can sometimes be strong, particularly from the north, so actively monitoring your air supply is critical. Diving this site in small groups can significantly enhance safety, ensuring better visibility and closer guidance through its historical features.
Recommended Equipment
Overhead / entanglement risk. Wreck penetration requires proper training.
- Dive Computer
- DSMB
- Primary & Backup Lights
- Wreck Reel
- Cutting Tool
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for El Mina Wreck, Egypt. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
Comfort levels can also depend on how active a diver is during the dive.
Divers exploring El Mina Wreck today will likely encounter water temperatures close to 27°C (81°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 35°C (94°F). When water temperatures fall within this range, many divers dive comfortably with 2-3mm shorty or light wetsuit.
Weather projections show fairly stable environmental conditions ahead.
Due to technical issues with our weather providers, data hasn't been fetched for over 48 hours. The data above reflects the conditions at the time of the last successful fetch.
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to El Mina wreck.
Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.
Before diving, it's recommended to:
- confirm nearest medical facilities
- check emergency procedures with local dive operators
- ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
Divers Alert Network
Diving emergency assistance available through DAN Europe.
+39 0642115685- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Diving medical assistance
- Evacuation coordination
Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.
Marine Life at El Mina Wreck
The El Mina wreck has transformed into a vibrant artificial habitat, where marine life immediately captures your attention. Large colonies of glassfish shimmer around the structure, frequently attracting predatory lionfish and jackfish. Closer inspection reveals scorpionfish camouflaged along the hull and playful clownfish seeking refuge. Divers often spot elusive moray eels peering from crevices, alongside delicate pipefish and industrious cleaner shrimp performing their duties in various nooks. Sea urchins also populate the wreck, adding to the biodiversity found on this submerged historical site.
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Working Hours
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Nearest Airports
Nearest airports to help plan travel to this dive area.
Search Flights
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Search Flights on ExpediaFrequently Asked Questions
What type of vessel is the El Mina wreck?
The El Mina is a Russian-made T-43 minesweeper. It was built between 1947 and 1957 for harbor protection and mine clearing duties before being sold to the Egyptian navy.
How did the El Mina wreck sink?
The El Mina was sunk by Israeli fighter planes in 1969 or 1970, a date not consistently reported. Two large holes were struck into her starboard side while she was anchored, leading to her sinking.
What are the depths of the El Mina wreck?
The wreck rests on a sloping seabed, with the bow at approximately 25 m / 82 ft. The stern is deeper, reaching about 32-33 m / 105-108 ft.
Is wreck penetration allowed or recommended?
Generally, penetration of the El Mina wreck is not recommended due to small and tight passages. While the blast-hole area might offer some access, caution is advised for any internal exploration.
What marine life can be seen at the El Mina wreck?
The wreck supports a variety of marine life including large schools of glassfish, which attract predators like lionfish and jackfish. Divers also frequently observe scorpionfish, clownfish, moray eels, pipefish, and cleaner shrimp.
Are there any particular hazards for divers at this site?
Divers must be aware of live ammunition scattered on the seabed around the wreck, which should not be touched. Strong currents can sometimes flow from the north, requiring diligent air monitoring.
What diver level is required for the El Mina wreck?
Diving the El Mina wreck is recommended for advanced certified divers. This recommendation is due to the depth, potential for currents, and the nature of wreck exploration.
What are the typical water temperatures?
Water temperatures vary seasonally, ranging from 20-22°C / 68-72°F in winter months. During the peak summer season, from June to September, temperatures can rise to 30°C / 86°F.
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El Mina Wreck
Conditions are Excellent
Best Dive Window
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near El Mina Wreck show 35° air, 27° sea temperature, 0.6 m waves, and 19 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.