The Excalibur Wreck
Also known as: Susana Wreck, Susanna Wreck, Susannah Wreck, Suzanna Wreck
A small, no-casualty harbour wreck in Hurghada, sunk by an electrical fire in late 1995 or early 1996; a shallow, shore-accessible first wreck dive.
Last updated July 2026
The dive
A short surface swim from the beach in front of a bar on Roma Beach Sakala, or a quick boat ride, puts you over an upright hull resting on sand with a slight list to starboard. Most sources put the resting depth around 22 metres, though a shallower structural high point nearer 18 metres has also been logged. Part of the bowsprit still stands at the bow, and glassfish crowd the interior in dense, shifting clouds. Moray eels hold position in the openings, and small barracuda and lionfish work the hull. The twin masts that once marked the wreck from above have been torn away over the years by boat traffic passing overhead, though deck fittings and rails remain in places. Entry into the pilothouse and cabin spaces is possible, where sinks and old electrical fittings are still visible.
What makes it special
Excalibur sits inside Hurghada harbour itself, close enough to shore that a boat trip isn't strictly necessary, unusual for a wreck of this quality in an area where most decent wrecks mean a long ride out. It carries two competing origin stories rather than one settled history: one account credits a diver-author who supposedly nicknamed it Susannah in 1996, the other traces the name to a dive centre that once owned the vessel. No one has resolved which is true. The wreck also has a specific, documented niche reputation: in 2012 a citizen-science expedition searched it for pygmy seahorses reported nearby months before, checking every centimetre of the hull without finding one that day.
Know before you go
Coming in from the beach, expect a surface swim of some length before reaching the wreck; a boat trip is the alternative if you'd rather skip it. Corrosion after roughly thirty years underwater means parts of the structure can be fragile, and loose cables inside pose an entanglement risk, so a cutting tool is worth carrying. Sea urchins and lionfish sometimes sit in the confined interior spaces: hover through rather than settle on anything. A torch helps in the pilothouse and cabin areas, and the shallow depth makes this a regular night-dive and last-dive-of-the-day choice.
Why Dive The Excalibur Wreck
What makes this dive site stand out.
- Two disputed naming stories
Named Susannah either by a diver-author in 1996 or after the boat's former operator
- Shore entry in the harbour
One of the few Hurghada wrecks reachable without a boat, near Roma Beach Sakala
- Beginner-friendly profile
Shallow and easy, suited to Open Water divers unlike most penetrable wrecks
- No loss of life
Sank empty from an electrical fire, unlike Hurghada's mass-casualty wrecks
- Pygmy seahorse survey site
A 2012 citizen-science survey searched the wreck for pygmy seahorses reported nearby months earlier, but didn't find one that day
Depth & Profile
Location
27.2158°N, 33.8445°E
Conditions & difficulty
A general Red Sea diving fee applies area-wide in Hurghada; the wreck itself has no separate site fee. Confirm current rates with your operator.
Three independent sources agree this suits Open Water divers, though the 20-22m resting depth sits beyond the standard 18m Open Water training limit; confirm with your operator that a guide or divemaster accompanies you for the deeper section. Any interior penetration still calls for a guide and appropriate training.
Summary
Shallow, sheltered harbour profile with limited current, though corrosion and loose cables need respect inside
Safety considerations
What can go wrong here, and what divers do about it. Conditions change - take the briefing from the operator on the day.
- Overhead: Loose cables inside the wreckCarry a cutting tool and avoid confined spaces without a guide
- Structure and sharp edges: Parts of the structure can be fragile or collapse after roughly thirty years of corrosionStay off the structure and rely on trim and buoyancy
- Marine life: Sea urchins and lionfish are sometimes present in confined interior spacesHover through rather than settle on anything, and keep clear of the structure
- Overhead: Pilothouse and accommodation compartments for untrained diversOnly enter with a guide, a torch, and appropriate training
Marine Life
Regulations
No formal reserve designation specific to this harbour wreck was found; a general area-wide Red Sea diving fee may apply, unrelated to this site specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Excalibur Wreck the same as the Susannah or Suzanna Wreck?▾
Yes. Excalibur, Susannah, Suzanna, and Susana all refer to the same wreck, with the alternate name appearing under slightly different spellings, sometimes even as separate listings on the same platform. Two different stories explain the name: one credits a diver-author who supposedly nicknamed it in 1996, the other traces it to a dive centre that once owned the vessel. Neither is confirmed, so treat it as an open question.
How deep is the Excalibur Wreck in Hurghada?▾
Most sources converge on about 22 metres for the resting depth, including an independent first-person dive log that measured it directly. One source gives 18 metres instead, possibly describing a shallower structural high point. Either way it's a shallow dive well within recreational limits.
Can beginners dive the Excalibur Wreck?▾
Yes. Three independent sources agree it suits Open Water divers, and operators often schedule it as an easy introductory wreck outing or a relaxed last dive of the day. Any interior exploration should still be done with a guide, since parts of the structure have weakened with age.
Can you dive the Excalibur Wreck from shore?▾
Yes, shore entry is available directly in front of a beach bar on Roma Beach in the Sakala area, though it involves a surface swim of some length to reach the wreck. Boat trips are also commonly offered.
What sank the Excalibur wreck in Hurghada?▾
An electrical fire, sometime in late 1995 or early 1996; sources disagree on the exact month, and even the fire's precise cause isn't well established. No injuries or deaths are recorded, and the vessel appears to have been unoccupied at the time.
Are there seahorses at the Excalibur Wreck?▾
The wreck has a documented reputation as one of the few local habitats for a small soft-coral pygmy seahorse species. In 2012, a citizen-science expedition searched it specifically because one had reportedly been sighted nearby a few months earlier, though the divers didn't find one that day. Treat it as a possible, not guaranteed, encounter.
Is the Excalibur Wreck a good night dive?▾
It's commonly used as one, along with being a popular last dive of the day. The shallow depth and easy access make it a low-risk choice after dark, when glassfish, moray eels, and other residents behave differently than they do in daylight.
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