The Chrisoula K was a Greek registered freighter and on its final journey its cargo consisted of Italian floor tiles heading for Jeddah. It sank August 31st 1981 after Captain Kanellis relinquished control of his ship following two days of intensive navigation.

Shortly after the engines were set at full speed and the Chrisoula K was driven right into the northeast corner of Sha'ab Abu Nuhâs Reef. Thankfully there was no loss of life.

Carnatic, Red Sea, Egypt

On September 12th 1869 The Carnatic began what ended up being her last voyage from Suez with an intended destination of Bombay under the command of Captain P.B Jones (who had taken command of the Carnatic in 1867).

With 176 crew, 34 passengers she had a cargo of wine, cotton bails and £40,000 of royal mint gold. It is thought and widely reported that Captain Jones did most of the navigation and course plotting and with the inevitable lack of sleep certain bearings were not taken during watch changes.

Whatever the reasons, the Carnatic struck the reef of Abu Nuhâs just after midnight where she did not sink immediately but became stuck on the shallow reef top. It was a clear night and the decision was made not to abandon ship, but for crew and passengers alike to remain on board.

Captain Jones knew that another P&O vessel, the Sumatra was due to pass them in the opposite direction on route to Suez, and intended to seek her assistance.

After a perilous night on the reef top the Sumatra had still not arrived on Sept 13th. The Carnatic appeared to be in fair condition and as nightfall approached for the second time, Captain Jones made the fateful decision to ride out another night on the floundering vessel.

After some 36 hours on the reef the Carnatic finally gave up her hopeless battle against the elements and broke in half, late morning on Tuesday Sept 14th 1869.

The passengers and crew abandoned ship, using the lifeboats which were not damaged and could still be launched. They allegedly used some of the previously jettisoned, tightly packed cotton bails as flotation devices, and the remaining 7 lifeboats then made for Shadwan (or Shaker) island, approx 2 miles to the south.

The cotton bails were also used to keep them warm during the cold night experienced in this area in contrast to the heat of the day and to make a fire.

The lives of 26 crew and 5 passengers were lost.

Nikon Coolpix E5600 & WP-CP3 Housing.

Photos. by helenrobertson1

With 36 m in length and 8 m in wide Seawolf-Soul belongs to the most elegant yachts in the Red Sea. Up to date technical equipment as well as luxury outfitted offers a special dive event.

The two engines, each with 750 h.p respectively bring you to the most famous dive sites in a short time.

The conception of Seawolf-Soul is a high-sea safari ship. The attention of the planning was special bright, spacious and modern furnishing of the 8 cabins, 3 suites and the relax areas, so that diver and non diver can spend a relaxed and eventful holiday on Seawolf-Soul.

Launched in 2007, this boat was designed to specially for diving guests. This boat is well equipped with excellent amenities. There are 11 twin cabins plus 1 master suite to comfortably accommodate 24 divers - all cabins are air-conditioned and have en-suite bathrooms. The spacious dining and leisure area are air-conditioned with TV/video/DVD and stereo. A wide variety of meals are served three times a day in buffet style; fresh fruit, snacks and juices are offered during the day. There are 2 large sun decks that invite guests to relax and take a sunbath. The diving deck and platform are designed to make diving preparation convenient and stress-free.