Chrisoula K is one of the numerous wrecks in the Red Sea along the northern passage. Learn about what to expect when diving the Chrisoula K, aka “The Tile Wreck”.
Quick Trip Overview
- Location: Red Sea, Egypt
- Closest Airport: Hurghada International Airport
Diving at the Red Sea Quick Information
- Wet Suit: Skin, or 3mm
- Water Temperature: 28-30 Celsius
- Current: Most of the wrecks in the Red Sea have mild to very strong currents – typically currents are during ascent and descent and will not be as strong once sheltered by the wreck
- Max Depth: 28m
About the Chrisoula K
This wreck goes by a couple of names, Chrisoula K and then the more common one is the “Tile Wreck’ this name is earned by the cargo divers will find spilt out from the cargo hull: Italian tile.
This wreck sank in 1981 during the final journey departing from Italy with a destination of Saudi Arabia but unfortunately running into a reef. The boat actually hit the exact same location that another boat was wrecked previously. This seems to be a trend in the Red Sea with a lot of wrecks running into the reef clusters that are located like little islands in the ocean.
The vessel was carrying a large supply of tile, and the tile can still be found at the site. With the tile spilling out over the side and clearly visible to those swimming the wreck.
Dive Season at the Red Sea
March to May is the most popular time to go diving in the Red Sea. However, there is pretty good diving all year round. Just expect cooler temperatures and more wind in the winter months from October to February.
Recommended Certifications for Chrisoula K
Advance open water is recommended for diving the Chrisoula K due to the depth of the wreck (28m). This wreck can also have very strong currents – and is typically only accessible in ideal weather conditions.
Those diving this wreck should be confident divers due to the potential conditions at the wreck which encourages those who dive here to have advance certification even more.
Ultimately, be prepared for a more difficult dive – come with an advance certification and a hearty number of dives under your belt to conquer this dive.
What to Spot at Chrisoula K
The primary attraction of the Chrisoula K is the Tile aspect of the wreck. Swim around the outside of the wreck, and end where the tile is found spilling out.
The tile is still in great conditions and you may be able to spot somewhere there are still labels “Made in Italy”.
There are other portions of the vessel to check out, such as the propeller is still intact.
However, the bow has been deteriorating due to the current, waves, and other elements. Therefore there are not much remains of the bow to explore.
Through the area, you will find numerous schools of fish. Additionally, if you are lucky, you may find moray among the wreck making their home – or free-swimming through the wreck area.
Photo Spots at the Chrisoula K
Here are the best spots to photograph at the Chrisoula K:
- The Tile – the second name of this wreck “Tile Wreck” makes it clear that a photo of the tile is just about necessary. Explore the tile – I found it interesting that none of the tile was attempted to be recovered.
- The Propeller – visit the stern of the boat where the propeller is still intact.
- Noose – there is a noose like rope hung back by the stern of the boat. Many divers will take photos “hanging” from the noose.
- Mast – the mast is broken and covered in soft coral now – making for another great photo location.
What to Expect Diving at Chrisoula K
Since the Chrisoula K rammed into a reef shelf the vessel has varying depths for parts of the boat.
- Stern – 25m – the deepest portion of the boat, and therefore the normal starting point for the dive.
- Bridge – 10m
- Bow – 5m – this portion basically looks like a coral formation now. Due to the shallow level of water though the swell can be difficult. You may get what is like a washing machine effect and slosh back and forth with the waves. Just ensure that you ride the wave forward and don’t bother trying to find when it rolls back.
The main attraction of the dive is exploring the wreck, swim through the various areas of destruction and see what sea life there is hiding in the debris.
How to Dive Chrisoula K
Most people will visit Chrisoula K through a liveaboard. Egypt is known for having a Northern route and a Southern Route.
Taking a Northern route liveaboard is mostly known for the wreck dives as there are numerous wrecks littering the seafloor in the northern portion of the Red Sea.
This area alone has several wrecks, making it a stop for wreck dives so that divers can explore upwards of three wrecks that crashed into this reef wall.
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