The Coral Reefs along the Sudanese Coast.

Many of the Reefs of the Sudanese Coast are yet to be fully explored.

Sixty years ago Diving pioneers and Marine Biologists such as Jacques Cousteau and Hans Hass explored some of the reefs producing Documentaries such as “Worlds without Sun” and “The Silent World”.

There are many Reefs, Atolls and Small Islands.

The main ones are:

Sanganeb Reef,  Sanganeeb Marine National Park, created 1990.Unesco Natural World Heritage Site since July 2016.

Approximately 30km NE of Port Sudan and 25km offshore, covering 26,000 hectares and comprising of 120 Coral Reefs. Saganeeb is the only Atoll in the Red Sea. Comprises the Reef, Dungonab Bay and Mukkawar Island at its most Northerly point 125km from Port Sudan.

Shaab Rumi

Probably the most famous reef in Sudan approximately 35km from Port Sudan. Jacques Cousteau’s underwater living Project Precontinent II was created at this site in 1965. Diving can reveal the remaining Structures from this Underwater Village.

Angarosh Reef

Known locally as “the mother of Sharks”  Has an abundance of Grey reef & Hammerhead Sharks.

Shipwrecks

There are two well known wrecks and numerous others lesser known and explored.

Sanganeb is treacherous for shipping and the British built a lighthouse to protect shipping negotiating the Reefs.

The Umbria 1940

In shallow waters close to Wingate Reef. Italian Merchant vessel bound for Eritrea carrying a cargo of munitions, bombs, detonators for the Italian War effort. She was forced to anchor by the Royal Navy on Wingate Reef close to Port Sudan, to prevent her cargo falling to the British her Captain decided to sink her. The cargo is still scattered on the sea floor.

The Blue Bell Sunk 1977

This merchant vessel operating between Port Sudan and Jeddah KSA was carrying Toyota cars and parts. It hit the reef 75km North of Port Sudan in poor weather. This is often called the Toyota Wreck. There are numerous vehicles scattered on the sea bed.The wreck is now very unstable and deemed unsafe to dive.