El Mina Wreck – History and Mystery of Red Sea

The El Mina wreck is a sunken naval minesweeper and one of the most historically intriguing dive sites in the Red Sea. The wreck measures approximately 70 meters in length and lies at a depth ranging from 24 to 30 meters, with the shallower end on the starboard side and the deeper section to port. El Mina was sunk during an Israeli fighter jet bombing in 1969 and now rests silently off the coast of Hurghada.

Marked by a buoy attached to its stern for easier navigation, the wreck is located on a sandy and rocky seabed, which often results in limited visibility. Combined with its depth, El Mina is best suited for advanced open water divers (AOWD) or higher certification levels.

While there is no coral reef around the wreck, there's still plenty of life to see. Large schools of fish seek shelter in the wreck’s remains, especially around the bomb blast hole. Here, you might spot snapper patrolling its school, protecting them from predatory lionfish lurking in the shadows. Bringing a dive torch is highly recommended, as it helps illuminate the interior and brings out the vivid colors of the marine life hidden within.

For divers with sufficient air supply and experience, a nearby fishing boat wreck – Mohamed Hasabella – can be explored during the same dive, adding more depth and diversity to the experience.

You can dive El Mina either as part of a day package or choose it as a third dive option during your Red Sea trip.

Wreck diving on El Mina Hurghada