Kimon M
The Kimon M, a Greek cargo ship loaded with lentils bound for Bombay, struck Sha’b Abu Nuhas Reef in the Red Sea on December 12, 1978, after navigating the Suez Canal successfully.
The impact left the vessel stranded on the reef, salvaging part of the cargo before being declared a total loss and abandoned. Over time, the ship capsized onto its starboard side, breaking apart and scattering debris across the reef. Despite deterioration, the remaining intact sections offer excellent dive opportunities. Divers can explore the scattered debris of the front section and navigate along the port side to discover the engine room, stern, and well-preserved portions. However, entering the wreck is hazardous due to its rapid deterioration caused by its position on its side.
Additionally, there’s been confusion in accurately identifying this shipwreck among four others—Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K, and Kimon M—located along the northern shores of Sha’ab Nuhas Reef.
Depth (m)
6 - 32Type
Cargo ShipLength (m)
121Beam (m)
15.8Weight (tn)
3714Date Sank
12/12/1978History of Kimon M
The Kimon M, a cargo ship that now lies as a wreck in the Red Sea, holds a compelling story marked by both commerce and tragedy. Built in 1952 by the Nordseewerke shipyard in Emden, Germany, the Kimon M was a general cargo vessel measuring 106 meters (348 feet) in length. For nearly two decades, the ship plied international waters, transporting various goods across the globe.
The fateful event for the Kimon M occurred on December 12, 1978, during a voyage from the Greek port of Heraklion to Bombay (now Mumbai), laden with a cargo of lentils. While navigating the treacherous waters of the Red Sea, the ship ran aground on the perilous Sha’ab Abu Nuhas reef, a notorious maritime hazard known for claiming many vessels. The collision with the reef was catastrophic, leading to significant structural damage that caused the ship to sink quickly.
Today, the Kimon M lies on its starboard side at a depth ranging from 12 to 32 meters (39 to 105 feet). The wreck is often referred to as “The Lentil Wreck” due to its cargo at the time of sinking. Over the years, the submerged vessel has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef, attracting a myriad of marine life. Divers exploring the Kimon M can witness an array of sea creatures, including moray eels, lionfish, and schools of colorful reef fish.
The wreck is divided into accessible sections, with the engine room and the ship’s interior offering intriguing exploration opportunities. The coral-encrusted structure and the diverse marine ecosystem provide a captivating underwater experience, making the Kimon M a popular dive site in the Red Sea. Its combination of historical intrigue and natural beauty continues to draw divers from around the world, eager to explore its depths.