Salem Express

The Salem Express, a passenger ferry, has a tragic and significant history in the Red Sea. Built in 1966 by the French shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the vessel was initially named Fred Scamaroni and operated as a car and passenger ferry. In the 1980s, it was purchased by the Egyptian company Samatour Shipping and renamed the Salem Express. The ship primarily operated between Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Safaga, Egypt, transporting pilgrims returning from the Hajj in Mecca.

On the night of December 15, 1991, the Salem Express met its disastrous fate. While en route from Jeddah to Safaga, the ship struck the Hyndman Reef, a coral outcrop off the Egyptian coast, in rough weather. The collision caused catastrophic damage to the hull, and the ship began to take on water rapidly. Within minutes, the Salem Express sank, resulting in a significant loss of life. Estimates suggest that over 460 passengers and crew perished, though the exact number remains uncertain due to discrepancies in the ship’s manifest.

The disaster was one of the worst maritime tragedies in the Red Sea, leaving a profound impact on the region. The wreck of the Salem Express lies at a depth of 30 meters (98 feet), with parts of the ship accessible to divers. The site is somber, serving as a maritime grave and a poignant reminder of the lives lost.

Despite its tragic history, the Salem Express has become a popular dive site, attracting those interested in its story and the marine life that now inhabits the wreck. Divers can explore the intact superstructure, lifeboats, and personal belongings scattered within, offering a haunting yet compelling underwater experience. The wreck, shrouded in both historical significance and marine beauty, continues to captivate and remind visitors of the fragility of human endeavors at sea.