El Mina roncs
A genuine warship wreck 20 minutes from the marina: an Egyptian minesweeper sunk in 1969, resting on sand at 30 metres.
El Mina roncs
El Mina is an Egyptian navy minesweeper hit by an air strike near Hurghada harbour in 1969, during the Egyptian–Israeli War of Attrition. The nearly 60-metre steel hull now lies on its port side on the sandy bottom at 30 metres – just 20 minutes by boat from the marina, making it Hurghada's most accessible true warship wreck.
Descending the line, the wreck's silhouette emerges first, then the life: clouds of lionfish hover over the deck, silvery swarms of glassfish swirl in the holds, and morays live among the pipes and openings. Well-camouflaged stonefish rest on the plates, and blue-spotted rays cruise the surrounding sand – keep your eyes open even on the descent.
Touring the outside is unforgettable for any AOWD diver; penetrating the interior is for trained wreck divers holding a wreck specialty. At 30 metres bottom time is short, so diving nitrox is worth it – and a second dive on a nearby reef rounds off the day perfectly.
What makes El Mina roncs special?
A genuine warship wreck full of history just 20 minutes from the harbour – few places let you start wreck diving this easily.
Highlights
- A nearly 60-metre minesweeper at 30 metres
- Clouds of lionfish above the deck
- Swarms of glassfish in the holds
- Interior penetration for trained wreck divers
Frequently asked questions
At least AOWD or equivalent, because the wreck lies at 30 metres – with OWD (limited to 18 m) this dive cannot be done safely. A Deep specialty or nitrox lets you get even more out of it.
Penetration is only for trained wreck divers with a wreck specialty certification and a guide. The wreck is a complete experience from the outside too: the deck, superstructure and hold openings teem with life.
Clouds of lionfish over the deck, swarms of glassfish in the holds, morays among the pipes, camouflaged stonefish on the plates and blue-spotted rays on the surrounding sand – plus a moving piece of naval history.
Being close to the harbour, visibility is typically 10–20 metres and the current is mild. Descent and ascent follow a line, which makes the dive very comfortable and safe.
How to dive El Mina roncs
Wreck specialty
Learn on a real warship wreck – 2 days, €180 all inclusive.
- Depth
- 30m
- Duration
- 2d
- Age
- 15+
Advanced course
5 adventure dives in 2 days, down to 30 metres – €290 all inclusive.
- Depth
- 30m
- Duration
- 2d
- Age
- 12+
Daily diving
Two dives on the Red Sea most beautiful reefs, with lunch and transfer – €60.
- Depth
- 30m
- On board
- 8h
- Age
- 12+
Nearby dive sites
El Aruk (Gigi)
A playground of coral towers on white sand: easy navigation, clouds of glassfish and light made for photography.
- Depth
- 5–14m
- Boat
- 35min
- Species
- 5
El Fanadir
A long reef ridge barely half an hour from the marina: a gentle wall, blue-spotted rays and seagrass patches with turtles.
- Depth
- 6–25m
- Boat
- 30min
- Species
- 5
Sha'ab Sabina
A sheltered shallow reef with a sandy lagoon – this is where most of our try dives and OWD skill sessions happen.
- Depth
- 4–12m
- Boat
- 40min
- Species
- 5
The Red Sea will not wait forever.
Book today – seats on the boat are limited, your excitement is not.