Dolphin Family

The Chrisoula K

The Chrisoula K the 3,720 or 3,807 GRT Cargo Ship named as Dora Oldendorff built at Orenstein, Koppel and Luebekker, Lübeck, Germany for Egon Oldendorff’s  growing post-WWII fleet. Launched 16 December 1953 and completed early in 1954, she was 98 meters in length, 14.8 meters in beam, 9 meters in draught, with a single 2,700 bhp 9-cylinder diesel engine from Masch, Augsburg-Nuermbuer (MAN), Augsburg, Germany, connected to a single shaft for a maximum speed of 13.5 knots.The Dora Oldendorff was sold in 1970 and was renamed the Anna B. She was sold again in 1979 to the Clarion Marine Company, Piraeus, Cyprus, and renamed the Chrisoula K.

Diving Information

The bow of the ship, also known as the “Tile Wreck“, used to be clearly visible on top of the Sha’ab Abu Nuhas Reef. However, due to years of wave action and exposure to the elements, there isn’t much left of this part of the ship to see above the water (in fact, practically nothing!). One need’s calm seas in or

der to get to the wreck site. The main part of the ship lies in a fairly upright position at the bottom of the reef, while the stern has keeled over almost completely onto its starboard side. Penetration into the engine room located in the stern section is possible, but a bit disorienting due to the ship’s stern being on its side. There is much to see in the engineering compartments as the ship was not salvaged. Flashligts, flashlights, and more flashlights are recommended. Silt-out conditions are also another consideration here….watch your finning! Back outside of the wreck, the rudder and propeller are still in place at 26-28 meters. Going shallow along the port side of the ship’s hull there is a gap between hull plates which allows access into the ship’s holds where the cargo of tile still remains. All-in-all, this is another one of those wrecks that makes the Red Sea such a unique diving destination.

The Loss of the Chrisoula K

In late August 1981, the Chrisoula K got underway from Italy with a cargo of floor tiles destined for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The ship, under the command of Captain Kanellis, made safe passage across the Mediterranean Sea, transit through the Suez Canal, and navigated through the narrow confines of the Straits of Suez. One source states that Captain Kanellis was on the bridge for the entire passage from Italy up to this point and then turned the helm over to another officer in order to retire for some well-earned rest. True or not, the ship continued on its passage south, steaming at full speed, when it struck the northeast corner of Sha’ab Abu Nuhas at position 27°34’50″N; 33°55’30. There was apparently enough damage to the hull of the ship that it was considered a total constructive loss (See Lloyd’s List entry for 01 September 1981). The 21-man crew was pick

ed up by the Egyptian Navy based at Hurghada and delivered to Suez shortly afterwards. The ship soon began to take on water and, with her bow firmly embedded in the reef, began to sink by the stern. Eventually she settled on the bottom at the base of the reef in 20-30 meters of water.

Lloyds List for 1st September 1981 included the following item under "Casualty Report:"

"Chrisoula K (Greek). Suez, Aug 31 - Mv Chrisoula K, ran aground yesterday in the Red Sea, sustaining serious damage but no casualties, shipping sources said today. The vessel hit coral reefs near the Egyptian naval base at Ras Banas, about 500 miles south of here, sources at the Assiut Shipping Agency, representing the ship owners, said. Rescue units from the naval base picked up the 21-member crew unscathed and took them to Suez, the sources said. The vessel, carrying a consignment of tiles from Italy, was on her way to Jeddah. The sources said the seriously damaged vessel was considered a total loss - United Press International." Thankfully, there was no loss of life - but whether the Captain, through his tiredness had made a simple mistake - either in the instructions given or the course plotted, or whether another officer made the fateful decision that brought the Chrisoula K into contact with the infamous Reef is not known. What is known, however, is that today, the Chrisoula K can be found where she fell and provides all grades of Diver with one of the finest shipwrecks in the entire Egyptian Red Sea.

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MANTA

How many kinds of manta are there?

Manta rays belong to the taxonomic family Mobulidae. This family contains eleven species of plankton eating rays. Within this family there are two genera, Mobula and Manta and more specifically within the genus manta there are two species, Manta birostris (the giant oceanic manta) and Manta alfredi (the resident reef manta). These two species have much in common, but a few important differences in life history exist between the two. These are important to note as they have very different implications for the management and conservation of these species. Whilst the main focus of the work of the Manta Trust is the two known manta species we are also trying to improve knowledge and understanding of the nine species of mobula.

How large do they grow?

Oceanic mantas (M.birostris) are the bigger of the two manta species; reaching a wing span of up to 7 meters! A large oceanic manta might weigh in at up to 2 tons, making them a real ocean giant!

The Carnatic

The Carnatic

The wreck of the 34 passengers, 176 crew, 40,000 sterling in gold, Royal mail and the bottles of wine.

Diving the Carnatic:

Location:	27 34 53" N, 33 55 32"E. North side of Shaab Abu Nuhas Reef
Access:	Safari boat normally from Hurghada Or from Sharm El Sheikh
Minimum Depth to Wreck	17m (Starboard side)
Maximum Depth to Seabed:	27m (along Mast)
Average Visibility:	30-35m

The wreck is situated of Ghiannis D. and lies almost parallel to it. It is 25-27m to the seabed and 18-20m to the upper (starboard) side throughout the dive. The wooden superstructure and planking has long-since rotted away - leaving a steel hull held together by iron supports and cross-members. With the decking gone, Divers are able to explore down to two deck levels within the wreck itself. At the Bows is the large copper ring that once held the bowsprit. This lies just behind the curved metal bowsprit support - underneath which was once the figurehead. When viewed from ahead, it is easy to see the Carnatics fine, sleek lines - even today. From the Bows the ship gently widens to the main body where, on both sides, lifeboat davits are found and all swung out. From here the Diver can enter the vessel and swim between the iron supports. For most Divers, the stern is the most exciting and interesting part of the entire wreck. Similar to the Bows, lifeboat davits are found on both sides and the Diver is able to swim into the wreck down to two levels. To discover the finest aspect of the entire vessel, however, the Diver must exit the wreck and swim round to the stern. This is a finely molded stern with a single row of seven square windows facing. It really is reminiscent of something from Nelsons day - and provides a fascinating insight into how traditional styles of building wooden ships were adapted for steel construction. Below the windows, the stern curves gently downwards and inwards to reveal a magnificent rudder and the one feature that certainly was never a part of that earlier era - a large three-bladed propeller. She is well colonized by coral, soft corals and her own indigenous population of Reef Fishes which include Grouper and Lionfish. Altogether, this is probably one of the finest examples of a ship of her time to be found underwater anywhere in the world - and for that alone she is well worth the visit.

The Carnatic

Fire Coral

What is Fire Coral?

Fire coral is related to jellyfish and anemones, and just like these creatures, it can really, really, sting. Learn to identify fire coral and then be sure to avoid it! Divers should be on the lookout for fire coral in tropical and subtropical seas.