Salem ExpressSalem Express

Lethal shortcut Lethal shortcut

with good with good intentionsintentions

HistoryHistory Launched as the Fred Launched as the Fred

Scamaroni in 1976, the Scamaroni in 1976, the roll-on roll-off ferry ship roll-on roll-off ferry ship was built in France. She was built in France. She was later renamed was later renamed Nuits Saint George, Nuits Saint George, Lord Sinai and Al Tahra Lord Sinai and Al Tahra before becoming the before becoming the Salem Express in Salem Express in 1988. 1988. 

She was 4,771 gross She was 4,771 gross registered tonnes and registered tonnes and 100.29m x 18.1m. 100.29m x 18.1m. Powered by four 8 Powered by four 8 cylinder diesel engines cylinder diesel engines two propellers aft and two propellers aft and directional thrust directional thrust propellers forward, the propellers forward, the engines produced a engines produced a very powerful 14,880 very powerful 14,880 bhp.bhp.

Final VoyageFinal Voyage On route from Jeddah in rough weather the captain On route from Jeddah in rough weather the captain Hassan Hassan

Moro decided to take a route straight to Safaga and then Moro decided to take a route straight to Safaga and then follow the coast towards Hurghada this way the ship would follow the coast towards Hurghada this way the ship would have shelter between the reefs it hit Sha’ab Sheer near Port have shelter between the reefs it hit Sha’ab Sheer near Port Safaga on Dec 15Safaga on Dec 15thth 1991 1991

The answer to the most frequently asked question is, The answer to the most frequently asked question is, therefore, therefore,

"Yes" - there are bodies still deep within the ship"Yes" - there are bodies still deep within the ship

Officially, the vessel was carrying 650 persons - 578 Officially, the vessel was carrying 650 persons - 578 passengers and 72 crew. Although many people insist she passengers and 72 crew. Although many people insist she was carrying up to twice as many passengers, further was carrying up to twice as many passengers, further speculation serves no useful purpose. The official death toll speculation serves no useful purpose. The official death toll was set at 470 and, in any event, it is highly unlikely that was set at 470 and, in any event, it is highly unlikely that the port officials of Jeddah would have allowed a grossly the port officials of Jeddah would have allowed a grossly overloaded boat to depart.overloaded boat to depart.

Points of Interest:Points of Interest: Bow door – Winches - Bridge Bow door – Winches - Bridge Superstructure – Funnel – MastSuperstructure – Funnel – Mast Lifeboats – Luggage - RadioLifeboats – Luggage - Radio Cafeteria – SundeckCafeteria – Sundeck Aft door – Side doorAft door – Side door Propellers - RuddersPropellers - Rudders

This Dive:This Dive: 100 bar no penetration100 bar no penetration 60 bar: Start Safety Stop 60 bar: Start Safety Stop 50 bar: Back on surface50 bar: Back on surface ♥ ♥ BuddyBuddy ▲▲ Gas Supply/NDL TimeGas Supply/NDL Time Dive with respectDive with respect Enjoy your diveEnjoy your dive

Salem ExpressSalem Express