Aida
The Aida, an Egyptian naval ship, has a storied past and is now one of the most captivating wrecks in the Red Sea.
The Aida, initially built as a Lighthouse/Bouy Tender in France in 1911, later repurposed as a troop carrier for the Egyptian Marina, encountered a significant event during wartime when attacked by German aircraft. A near miss during the attack led the quick-thinking captain to beach the ship, preventing it from sinking.
However, in 1957, while delivering personnel and supplies to the Egyptian Coast Guard station on Big Brothers Island amid heavy weather, the vessel was slammed into rocks near the jetty, prompting the abandon ship order. Rescuing 77 personnel, including the Captain, another tugboat responded, but the Aida drifted northwest, ultimately embedding its bow into Big Brothers Rocks at a position of 26.19N/34.50E, resting with its bow up at 25 meters and stern at 60 meters. Despite the loss, the wreck remains part of local dive operators’ recreational dive routes.
Depth (m)
25 - 60Type
Passenger FreighterLength (m)
75.1Beam (m)
9.7Weight (tn)
Date Sank
15/9/1957References
https://www.redseawreckproject.com/dive-sites/a-red-sea-wreck-diving-database/aida/
Shipwrecks of the Red Sea * (by Ned Middleton)
History of Aida
Built in France in 1911, the Aida was initially designed as a lighthouse tender, a vessel used to supply and maintain lighthouses along the coast. Throughout its operational life, the Aida served various roles within the Egyptian navy, primarily as a transport vessel.
The ship met its untimely demise on September 15, 1957, during an assignment to deliver supplies to the crew stationed at the Ras Mohammed lighthouse on Big Brother Island. In rough sea conditions, the Aida struck the island’s reef, leading to a catastrophic breach in its hull. Despite efforts to save the vessel, it sank swiftly, coming to rest at a depth of between 25 and 60 meters (82 to 197 feet) along a steep reef slope.
Today, the Aida is a renowned dive site, particularly appealing to advanced divers due to its depth and location. The wreck is well-preserved and lies on its port side, with its structure and many of its features still intact. Divers can explore the wheelhouse, the bridge, and the large cargo holds, all of which provide a fascinating glimpse into the ship’s operational past.
The wreck has become an artificial reef, attracting a diverse array of marine life. Schools of fish, including snappers and fusiliers, frequent the site, while soft corals and sponges cover the ship’s surfaces, adding vibrant colors to the underwater scene. Occasionally, larger marine species such as groupers and moray eels are also spotted.
The Aida wreck offers a unique combination of historical intrigue and underwater beauty, making it a must-visit for divers exploring the Red Sea. Its dramatic setting and rich marine life provide a memorable and educational diving experience, celebrating both the ship’s legacy and the natural splendor of the Red Sea.