Giannis D shipwreck
The Giannis D sank with its cargo of timber in 1983 and lies next to a coral reef.
The Giannis D was built in 1969 in Japan and was originally called the Shoyo Maru. Set sail from Croatia in April 1983 with a cargo of sawn softwood destined for the Saudi Arabian Port of Jeddah. The journey through the northern section of the Red Sea was uneventful as the Captain steered his way through the hazardous coral reefs. However, shortly after he handed over control of the ship and retired to his cabin to get some rest he was rudely awoken by an event that would signal the end of his much loved ship. The Giannis D had hit the northwest corner of Sha’ab Abu Nuhas at full speed. The date was April 19th 1983.
The Giannis D is now found in three separate sections – bows, amidships and stern lying more or less parallel to the reef. Most divers tend to head straight for the which looks as though it has been cleanly cut from the remainder of the ship. The deepest part is the port companionway which is almost resting on the seabed. Above this, a number of davits and other fittings are found hanging out from the wreck. The letter D is still clearly visible on the funnel. There is easy access to the engine room which offers a very exciting interlude for those who prefer to venture deep inside.
Overall the Giannis D is an excellent dive and one that is much enjoyed by every grade of diver.
Those pictures and others from underwater are available here for licensing.
