---
title: Salem Express
type: Wreck dive site
location: Safaga, Red Sea, Egypt
coordinates: 26.6394, 34.0616
max_depth_m: 30
published: 2026-06-23T20:47:30.312Z
updated: 2026-08-08T12:57:53.211Z
tags: Salem Express, Wreck, Red Sea, Dive site, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/diving/dive-sites/salem-express
---

# Salem Express

## Quick facts

- **Type:** Wreck
- **Location:** Safaga, Red Sea, Egypt
- **Coordinates:** 26.6394, 34.0616
- **Max depth:** 30 m
- **Depth notes:** 10-30m
- **Level:** Advanced
- **Rating:** 5.0 / 5

## Good to know

- Best for advanced divers
- Drift dive
- Great for macro photography

## Overview

Initially launched as the Fred Scamaroni in France in 1964, this passenger ferry was subsequently purchased by the Samatour line and rechristened the Salem Express.

On December 15th, 1991, the vessel collided with the Hyndeman reef, which tore a massive hole in its hull. Official reports indicated 960 pilgrims, returning from Mecca, were aboard. However, claims suggest the true number of people on board may have been as high as 1,600. Merely 180 individuals survived the tragic event.

## Location

This dive site is positioned on the southern side of Shaab Shehr, approximately one and a half hours away from Safaga.

## Conditions

The site is exposed to the elements, and divers should anticipate the possibility of encountering exceptionally strong currents.

## Dive plan

Lying eerily on her starboard side in 30 meters of water, the Salem Express offers a haunting dive experience. Begin your descent at the stern, the deepest section of the wreck, where you will discover the two intact, large propeller screws and the rudders.

As you navigate along the bottom, you will pass lifeboats that remain suspended from their davits. Subsequently, the huge funnels come into view, prominently displaying their unsettling 'S' emblem.

## What to see

Marine life largely leaves the Salem Express undisturbed. Although the wreck feels solitary, groupers, lionfish, crocodilefish, and surgeonfish are present. There is also a small, nascent growth of hard coral beginning to appear.

## Species recorded here (2)

- Common Lionfish (*Pterois miles*)
- Crocodilefish (*Papilloculiceps longiceps*)

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/diving/dive-sites/salem-express)*
*Updated: August 8, 2026*