News
New shipwreck discovered for Technical Divers in the Red Sea
A team from Red Sea Explorers has been the first to dive on a newly located wreck in the Northern Red Sea.
Following a lead from a trusted local fisherman, Faisal Khalaf and Michel Salsmans ventured into the deep waters near Gubal Island in search of this unknown wreck on 21 and 22 January. A combination of heavy currents, poor visibility, the estimated depth of the wreck and heavy ship traffic made access difficult. After arriving at the suggested coordinates, the team spotted the wreck on the depth sounder and after a battle to hook onto the wreck due to poor surface conditions and the current, they managed to descend.
Upon arriving at depth they found lots of pipes but no wreck. However, after 10 minutes of searching, they came upon a massive structure which was a magnificent sight to see. The wreck appears to have been a cargo ship carrying pipes. It is about 100m in length and approximately 15m wide. With two long masts, one at the stern and another at the bow, they discovered one life raft under the davits on the starboard side.
The following day, they went back to the location to conduct further exploration and identify the wreck. Again, the surface conditions and currents meant they needed to moor some distance away from the wreck itself. The pipes around the wreck make it easy to hook at the wrong spot. They spent 15 minutes reeling out to the wreck, which left only a short time to dive her. They recorded the dive on a GoPro but hope to return soon to get better quality shots.
So far the wreck is unidentified but the Red Sea Explorers team have named it Persistence: The Angle Pipe Wreck.
What is known so far:
- Location: In the middle of the Traffic Separation Scheme North of Gubal Island, in the Northern Red Sea at the mouth of the Gulf of Suez.
- Ship Type: Cargo
- Cargo: Pipes
- Ship Design: Twin Masts: One aft of the super structure and another towards the bow.
- Dimensions: Length approx. 80-110m; beam approx. 15-20m wide.
- Condition: The ship seems to be completely covered with growth, suggesting she has been there for a while, anywhere from early 1950s to 1970s.
- Orientation: Sitting on her starboard side with her bow pointing north.
- Topography: The wreck is sitting in a flat sandy patch with all the pipes and beams scattered to her east.
- Depth: From 62-76m.
Dive Conditions:
- Difficult/Advanced – Hypoxic Trimix Dive.
- Lots of current, both on the surface and on the wreck.
- Windy surface conditions make it tricky on the surface.
- Expect difficulty hooking the wreck due the current and its orientation.
- Visibility is 15m; 10m at depth.
- A lot of fishing lines all around the wreck, divers must take cutting equipment.
- Returning to the up-line is a must as drifting divers will be in the way of the massive cargo ships coming up and down the channel.
Life on the wreck:
The wreck itself is covered with glassfish. Groupers hide inside and giant trevally followed the divers around the wreck. Schooling Barracuda also showed up. The rich murky water makes it an excellent feeding and breeding ground.
The Red Sea Explorers team will be diving on her again soon, so stay tuned for more news!
Find out more at www.redseaexplorers.com.
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Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
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Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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