The Red Sea in Egypt has always attracted underwater adventure lovers with its bright coral reefs and diverse marine life. However, among the many dive sites, the El Mina wreck in Hurghada holds a special place. 

The El Mina minesweeper lies at a depth of about 30 meters, close to the port of Hurghada (with the same name). This makes it accessible to divers with intermediate and above levels of training, but we still recommend undergoing preliminary training or refreshing your skills (especially after a long break from diving). 

This dive allows you to not only see the remains of the ship but also encounter the rich underwater world that has settled on its wreckage over time.

A Bit of History of the El Mina Wreck

Once, this vessel belonged to the Soviet Union, but in the 1950s it was handed over to Egypt. The story of the ship’s demise is shrouded in controversy. 

According to one version, the minesweeper was sunk by Israeli aircraft during the Egyptian-Israeli conflict (the Six-Day War in 1967). According to another version, the ship hit one of its own mines. 

Underwater Panorama

Diving on the El Mina should be done slowly and very carefully with an experienced guide who knows all the features of this wreck and can ensure your safety, as the area to explore is about 60 meters. 

Despite being underwater for many years, the minesweeper is surprisingly well-preserved. 

The only exception is the 37-mm gun, which is located near the ship. The anti-aircraft guns on board indicate that the vessel was used for military purposes.

Marine Inhabitants

The ship has already become an artificial reef, attracting many marine inhabitants. Here you can encounter various fish, moray eels, octopuses, and even rare types of corals.

Exploring the Structure

Much of the El Mina’s structure is still well-preserved. Divers can explore the engine room, the bridge, and the gun mounts, adding a special atmosphere to the dive.

War Artifacts

On the ship, you can find remnants of military equipment, including mines and artillery installations. This reminds us of its combat past and adds an element of adventure to every dive.

Water Clarity

The Red Sea is known for its crystal-clear water, providing excellent visibility at depth. This allows divers to fully enjoy the beauty of the wreck and the surrounding marine life.

Preparing for a Dive on the El Mina

For the safety and convenience of diving to the sunken ship, boats moor using dead anchors and stretch a rope to buoys installed above the wreck. Divers descend in groups, moving on the surface while holding onto the rope to the buoy, then descend following the rope to the ship’s hull. 

The exploration begins at the stern, then the group moves around the ship's side, examining the bow before surfacing again. In the bow, you can see the bomb impact site, where you can enter the interior of the ship. However, extreme caution is needed when diving, as the holes are jagged and sharp, posing a serious danger. 

It’s worth noting that entering any openings is generally not recommended, but when has that ever stopped curious underwater explorers? 

From the starboard side, through the wide-open door, you can peek into the cabin. Visibility at the dive site is about 15 meters. 

Examining the wreck, it becomes clear that this is a Soviet minesweeper. Its icebreaker bow indicates that the ship was built for colder seas. The naval collaboration between Egypt and the USSR during President Nasser's era explains the origin of the ship.

The El Mina wreck in Hurghada is not just a sunken ship; it’s a window into the past and a unique opportunity for underwater exploration. Its history, rich marine life, and accessibility make it a must-visit site for both novice and experienced divers. Diving on the El Mina is an exciting adventure that will stay with you forever. Book it now!