The Carnatic
The Carnatic, a British steamship, met its tragic fate on September 12, 1869, when it struck the treacherous Abu Nuhas reef in the Red Sea.
Laden with cargo and passengers on a voyage from Suez to Bombay, the ship’s collision with the reef resulted in its swift descent into the depths. Today, the Carnatic rests on the seabed as a well-preserved shipwreck, a poignant reminder of the perils faced by seafarers in the 19th century. Divers from around the world are drawn to explore this underwater time capsule, where remnants of its cargo and structure offer a glimpse into a bygone era of maritime history.
Depth (m)
24 - 27Type
Wooden-Hulled Steamship, Armed Merchant VesselLength (m)
89.79Beam (m)
11.61Weight (tn)
1,776Date Sank
12/09/1869History of The Carnatic
The Carnatic was a British steamship of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, better known as P&O. Launched in 1862, the Carnatic was a 1,776-ton vessel, primarily used for transporting passengers and cargo between England and the Far East. With its iron hull and auxiliary steam engine, it represented a transitional phase in maritime engineering, combining sail and steam power.
On September 12, 1869, while en route from Suez to Bombay, the Carnatic met its tragic fate. The ship, carrying 34 passengers and a crew of 176, along with a substantial cargo that included gold and wine, struck the Sha’ab Abu Nuhas coral reef in the Red Sea, near the Egyptian coast. Initially, the captain, believing the damage to be manageable, decided to remain on the reef to await assistance rather than immediately evacuate.
However, after a day and a half, the hull began to give way, and the Carnatic broke in two. The disaster resulted in the loss of 31 lives. Survivors managed to reach the nearby Shadwan Island and were later rescued. The loss of life and the wreck’s cargo, including its gold bullion, added to the notoriety of the incident.
The wreck of the Carnatic lay undisturbed for many years until it was rediscovered by divers in the 20th century. Today, it is one of the most popular dive sites in the Red Sea, attracting divers with its fascinating history and the well-preserved remnants of the ship. The site is renowned not only for its historical significance but also for the rich marine life that has since colonized the wreck, creating a vibrant underwater ecosystem.