Kingston
The Kingston, a 19th-century iron screw steamer cargo ship, had a long career as a coal carrier.
Its tragic end occurred in 1881 when, en route to Aden, it struck Shag Rock and failed to be refloated despite jettisoning cargo and multiple rescue attempts. The ship’s captain was found culpable for the incident due to navigational misjudgments.
Today, the wreck of the Kingston, initially known as Sara H in diving circles, lies upright at Shag Rock’s base in the Red Sea. Its stern sits at around 17 meters, leading to the bow area at 5-10 meters. Strong currents prevail here, making the stern entry and a clockwise route advisable. Divers encounter the intact rudder, propeller, and sections of the hull covered in stunning corals. The stern retains remnants of the ship’s equipment, while the boilers and remaining sections are of interest. Adjacent to the wreck, the masts with their crow’s nests rest on the seafloor. Exiting, divers can drift along the reef, observing the spectacular coral formations, as the diving site enriched by coral colonization.
Depth (m)
4 - 19Type
Iron Screw SteamerLength (m)
78Beam (m)
19Weight (tn)
1448Date Sank
20/2/1881References
Shipwrecks of the Red Sea * (by Ned Middleton) https://www.redseawreckproject.com/dive-sites/k-red-sea-wreck-diving-database/kingston/
History of Kingston
Built in 1871 by J. Elder & Co. in Glasgow, the Kingston was a 78-meter (256 feet) long vessel used primarily for transporting coal and other goods. The ship was en route from Cardiff to Aden, laden with coal, when it met its tragic end.
On February 22, 1881, the Kingston encountered the treacherous reef system near Shag Rock, close to the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. The ship ran aground on the reef, causing severe damage that led to its sinking. Fortunately, all crew members were safely evacuated, but the vessel was lost to the sea.
Today, the Kingston rests at a depth of 15 to 20 meters (49 to 65 feet), making it an accessible dive site for both novice and experienced divers. The wreck is remarkably well-preserved, with its structure largely intact, providing a fascinating underwater museum. Divers can explore the remains of the ship’s hull, deck, and cargo holds, which are now encrusted with vibrant coral formations.