Salem Express

The Salem Express is a passenger ferry wreck lying in sheltered water near Safaga in the Egyptian Red Sea. Built in 1966, she sank in December 1991 while crossing the Red Sea from Egypt to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, carrying passengers and vehicles. The tragedy resulted in a huge loss of life, and divers are asked to show the deepest respect when visiting the site. The vessel is over 1,000 tonnes and 100 metres in length, with an angular design that makes her an imposing presence on the seabed.

The wreck rests on the seabed at a maximum depth of 30 metres and can be dived at multiple levels from 10 m down to 30 m. Notable features include two large propellers, two funnels each marked with the letter "S" surrounded by a wreath, and the two engines visible within the hull. Penetration of the wreck is not permitted.

Despite the relatively short time since sinking, coral life has begun to colonise the hull and fish populations are well established. Frogfish have been sighted here on a number of occasions, and the wreck also hosts moon groupers, common lionfish, crocodilefish, and black surgeonfish alongside general coral life.