Giannis D
The Giannis D, a Greek cargo ship, met its fate on April 19, 1983, when it ran aground on the Sha'ab Abu Nuhas reef in the Red Sea.
Today, it rests on its starboard side in approximately 27 meters of water, becoming a renowned shipwreck dive site. Divers are drawn to the Giannis D for its accessibility and the chance to explore its interior, including engine rooms and cargo holds, where timber cargo remains visible. This underwater relic serves as a testament to both navigational challenges and the vibrant marine life that has made it an integral part of the Red Sea’s underwater landscape.
Depth (m)
6 - 27Type
Cargo ShipLength (m)
99.5Beam (m)
16Weight (tn)
2,992Date Sank
19/04/1983History of Giannis D
The Giannis D, a notable shipwreck in the Red Sea, began its life as a general cargo vessel named Shoyo Maru, built by Kuryshima Dock Company in Imabari, Japan, in 1969. Originally registered under a Japanese company, the ship changed ownership several times before it was acquired by the Greek company Dumarc Shipping and renamed Giannis D in 1980.
Giannis D was a 99.5-meter (326 feet) long general cargo vessel, primarily used for transporting timber and other goods across international waters. On April 19, 1983, during a voyage from the Croatian port of Rijeka to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, laden with a cargo of softwood timber, the ship met its unfortunate fate. While navigating the Straits of Gubal, near the northern tip of the Red Sea, Giannis D collided with the Sha’ab Abu Nuhas reef, a notorious hazard for vessels.
The collision caused severe structural damage, leading the ship to sink quickly. Today, the wreck of Giannis D lies at a depth of 10 to 27 meters (33 to 89 feet), resting in an almost upright position, though split into three main sections: the bow, midships, and stern. The ship has since become a thriving artificial reef, attracting a plethora of marine life and becoming a popular dive site.
Divers exploring the Giannis D can experience the remnants of its working life, with the engine room, bridge, and cargo holds being particularly fascinating areas. The wreck is encrusted with corals and teems with marine species such as barracudas, groupers, and glassfish, making it a vibrant underwater habitat. The combination of historical significance and rich biodiversity makes the Giannis D a compelling site for both historians and marine enthusiasts.