Jolanda
The Jolanda, a 1,153 GRT Cargo Ship constructed in Spain, launched in 1963, and initially registered under the South African flag, later registered in Cyprus, sank near Ras Mohamed National Park on April 1, 1980.
Carrying ceramics, aluminum, general cargo, and a BMW 320, it grounded on a reef and remained stuck for four days before rolling onto its port side and eventually sinking, leaving remnants of its cargo and the car. Over time, it gradually capsized before sliding into deeper waters in 1985.
The wreck now rests between 10 and 25 meters at “Yolanda” Reef, known for recreational diving in Sharm El Sheikh. The site offers a dive route from Shark Reef to Yolanda Reef, showcasing remnants of the ship’s cargo. The wreck lies about 160 meters below the reef’s ledge and was discovered in 2005 by deep divers Leigh Cunningham and Mark Andrews, with subsequent explorations in 2007 setting a world record for the deepest female scuba dive.
Depth (m)
10 - 30Type
Cargo ShipLength (m)
74.7Beam (m)
10.7Weight (tn)
1176Date Sank
04/01/1980History of Jolanda
The Jolanda, also known as the Yolanda, is one of the most famous shipwrecks in the Red Sea, offering a unique blend of historical intrigue and underwater exploration. Originally named Jolanda, the vessel was a Cyprus-registered cargo ship built in 1964. It was primarily used for transporting a variety of goods across international waters.
On April 1, 1980, the Jolanda met its ill-fated end. The ship was en route from Piraeus, Greece, to Aqaba, Jordan, carrying a cargo that included sanitary ware, such as bathtubs, toilets, and bathroom fittings, along with a load of plastic and other miscellaneous items. While navigating near the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, the Jolanda ran aground on the notorious reef system of Ras Mohammed, specifically at Shark Reef.
The grounding caused significant damage, and despite efforts to save the vessel, it ultimately sank. The bow section remained perched on the reef, while the rest of the ship and its cargo slipped into the deep waters below. Over the years, storms and underwater currents dispersed the wreckage and cargo across the seabed.
Today, the site of the Jolanda wreck is a premier dive location, known as “Ras Mohammed’s Shark and Yolanda Reef.” Divers can explore the scattered remains of the ship and its cargo, with toilets and bathtubs strewn across the reef, creating an unusual underwater landscape. The site is not only famous for the wreck itself but also for the rich marine life it attracts. Schools of fish, vibrant corals, and larger marine creatures like reef sharks and barracudas make it a thriving underwater ecosystem.
The Jolanda wreck offers divers a unique blend of maritime history and marine biodiversity, making it a must-visit site for those exploring the Red Sea’s underwater wonders. The combination of the ship’s intriguing past and the vibrant life it now supports creates a captivating experience for all who dive there.