Since the opening of The Suez Canal in the 1860s many ships have passed through the gulf heading from Europe to the Orient. Many have also perished, snared by the shallow reefs that loom beneath the surface. One such reef is Shaab Abu Nuhas. So dangerously positioned is it on the edge of the shipping lanes, it has claimed more ships than any other. The Bedouin fishermen have given it a name ”The reef of brass.” It is 2.5 to 3.5 hours north of Hurghada and is visit­ed either on safari or as a long day-trip leaving early, about 6 or 7 am.

On the north side of Shaab Abu Nuhas, are four complete wrecks. The oldest is ”The Carnatic,” which sank in 1869. Then there are three others from recent times, ”The Ghiannis D,” ”The Chrisola K” and another known as ”Seastar.” There is also wreckage from a number of other older wrecks, now entirely broken up. This side of the reef is extreme­ly exposed to the weather and care must be taken. In heavy swells it is only accessible by zodiac. On the inside, south­ern side, of the reef is a safe anchorage. Here are three beautiful reefs known as ”The Yellowfish Reefs.” They make an excellent shallow third dive, or bad weather alternative.