The Giannis D vs. The Carnatic: Comparing Abu Nuhas’ Two Most Famous Wrecks
There is a reef in the northern Red Sea that every wreck diver knows by name: Sha’ab Abu Nuhas. Often called the “Reef of Seven Deaths,” it sits dangerously close to the shipping lanes, acting as a magnet for ships caught in storms.
The result of this treacherous geography is a diver’s paradise. Abu Nuhas is home to four diveable wrecks, but on a typical day trip, we focus on the two “crown jewels”: the Giannis D and the Carnatic.
These two ships couldn’t be more different. One is a modern steel beast; the other is a 19th-century skeleton of iron and wood. Diving them back-to-back offers a fascinating study in contrasts—industrial power versus elegant history.
At Scubadore Hurghada, we love this expedition. Our small groups allow us to explore the tight interiors safely and wait for the crowds to clear, giving you the best possible experience. But which wreck will be your favorite? Let’s break down the showdown.
Giannis D from the inside
The Contender: The Giannis D
The Modern Ghost (Sunk 1983)
When you descend onto the Giannis D, you are met with a scene of modern industrial chaos. A 100-meter-long Greek cargo ship carrying lumber, it struck the reef at full speed.
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The Vibe: Eerie and disorienting. The ship is broken into three sections, but the stern is the highlight. It lists at a sharp 45-degree angle, creating a “funhouse” effect that messes with your equilibrium. You will find yourself trying to swim “straight” relative to the stairs, only to realize your bubbles are going sideways.
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The Highlight (The Engine Room): For metal-heads, this is paradise. The penetration into the engine room is fantastic. You can float past the massive diesel engine, seeing the gauges, valves, and catwalks frozen in time.
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The Structure: It’s a steel fortress. The bridge is expansive and open, allowing for easy swim-throughs where light beams cut through the windows, creating dramatic photography opportunities.
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Best For: Divers who love penetration, enclosed spaces, and the spooky feeling of a “modern” wreck that looks like it could have sunk yesterday.
The SS Carnatic
The Legend: The SS Carnatic
The Elegant Lady (Sunk 1869)
Swimming from the Giannis D to the Carnatic is like time-traveling back 100 years. This British P&O steamer was a “sail and steam” hybrid, carrying gold, wine, and cotton to India when she struck the reef.
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The Vibe: Beautiful and atmospheric. The Carnatic is widely considered one of the most beautiful shipwrecks in the world. The wooden decking has long since rotted away, leaving only the iron ribs of the hull. This allows sunlight to stream into the ship, illuminating the interior like a cathedral.
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The Highlight (The Soft Coral): Nature has reclaimed the Carnatic entirely. The iron ribs are draped in magnificent soft corals—pinks, purples, and oranges. It is a living reef in the shape of a ship.
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The “Wine” Factor: In the silt at the bottom of the hull, you can still see the remains of her cargo: hundreds of 19th-century wine and soda water bottles, many still intact (though empty!).
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Best For: Photographers and marine life lovers. The open structure means no tight squeezes, and the interplay of light, shadow, and soft coral is unmatched.
The Verdict: Industrial Power or Historic Beauty?
So, which wreck wins?
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Team Giannis D: If you want the adrenaline of swimming through dark corridors, inspecting heavy machinery, and feeling the disorientation of a tilted ship, the Giannis D is your winner. It feels like a true “wreck dive” in the adventurous sense.
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Team Carnatic: If you prefer a relaxed, scenic dive where the wreck has become part of the reef, the Carnatic takes the gold. It is hauntingly beautiful and offers a glimpse into the golden age of maritime travel.
The Scubadore Advantage: Diving Them Right
The Abu Nuhas wrecks are popular, and they can get busy. This is where diving with Scubadore changes everything.
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Timing: We plan our dives to avoid the peak rush of the large day boats.
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Safety: Penetrating the Giannis D engine room can be intimidating in a large group. With our private or semi-private guiding, you have space to move, time to look, and a guide watching your back every fin-kick of the way.
The best part? You don’t actually have to choose. It is possible to dive both in a single day on a two tank dive trip. While this doesn’t happen every time we dive Abu Nuhas, it’s certainly a possibility. If not, come back for a second day and enjoy two of the best wrecks in Hurghada while also enjoying some fantastic reef diving!
