Located in the notorious Sha’ab Abu Nuhas reef off Egypt’s Red Sea coast, the Giannis D is one of the most accessible and photogenic wreck dives in the region. This Greek cargo ship met her fate in 1983 and now lies dramatically on her port side, partially broken but fully alive with marine life and coral growth.
Let’s explore the history, dive highlights, and what makes Giannis D a must-dive for any wreck enthusiast.
🕰️ A Quick Look at the History
Originally built in Japan in 1969 as “Shoyo Maru,” this 99-meter-long freighter was renamed Giannis D after being sold to a Greek shipping company. In April 1983, while transporting timber from Yugoslavia to Saudi Arabia, the ship struck the Sha’ab Abu Nuhas reef and quickly sank.
Today, she rests in two main sections at a depth of 10 to 28 meters, offering both recreational and advanced divers a thrilling experience.
🌊 The Dive Experience
Diving the Giannis D is an adventure through both wreckage and thriving coral reefs. The ship’s stern section remains relatively intact and includes access to the engine room — a favorite among experienced divers and underwater photographers.
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Depth range: 10–28 meters
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Skill level: Advanced Open Water recommended
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Highlights: Tilted engine room, towering mast, timber cargo debris
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Best time to dive: April–November for optimal visibility and calm seas
The midsection is more broken up, but the bow and mast are photogenic and attract clouds of fish. The signature tilt of the ship creates dramatic, dreamlike angles for wide-angle photography.
🐟 Marine Life at Giannis D
The wreck has become a blooming reef, now fully colonized by soft corals, sponges, and anemones. Resident marine life includes:
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Glassfish hiding in the shadows
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Lionfish, often posing near beams
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Groupers and napoleon wrasse lurking in the hold
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Occasional moray eels and nudibranchs along the edges
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Batfish, triggerfish, and blue-spotted stingrays
This lively biodiversity makes the wreck a double attraction: a historic dive and a marine sanctuary.
🧭 Tips for Diving Giannis D
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Bring a torch for the engine room and internal structures.
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Watch your buoyancy — sharp metal edges and fragile coral coexist.
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Ideal for wreck photography: bring a wide-angle lens or action camera.
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Always dive with a certified guide, especially if entering the wreck.
📌 Conclusion: A Must-Dive in the Red Sea
Giannis D is more than just a sunken ship — it’s a window into Red Sea history, a haven for marine life, and a thrilling underwater experience for wreck lovers. Whether you’re here for the eerie silence of its shadowed rooms or the explosion of color around its masts, this wreck won’t disappoint.
Yes, Advanced Open Water is recommended, especially if you plan to enter the wreck or explore deeper sections.
It ran aground on Sha’ab Abu Nuhas reef while transporting timber and sank quickly in 1983.
Yes, especially the engine room. But only attempt penetration dives with proper training and guidance.
From lionfish and moray eels to schools of fusiliers and soft coral-covered surfaces, the wreck is full of life.
Absolutely! The tilted angle, intact structures, and ambient light make it a favorite for wreck photographers.
