Umbria Wreck

The Umbria was an Italian cargo ship carrying munitions and cement when Italy entered the war in 1940, and her captain, boarded by the British off Port Sudan, opened the seacocks and scuttled her rather than let the cargo be taken. She settled on her side on Wingate Reef with her masts almost breaking the surface, and she remains intact and loaded, which makes her one of the most complete wreck dives anywhere.

What's there

• The intact hull - a ship scuttled and settled without breaking up.
• The cargo - the bombs, detonators and cement still in the holds.
• The shallow depth - masts almost reaching the surface with holds accessible.
• The 1940 scuttling - the captain's decision that put her on the reef.

When to go

November to April has the best Red Sea conditions. Diving is possible year round. Visibility drops with plankton blooms.

Good to know

The wreck carries live munitions in the holds and penetration requires proper training and a guide who knows her. Dive operations out of Port Sudan are limited and must be arranged. Travel in Sudan requires arrangements made well in advance.

Nearby

Port Sudan is inshore, and Sha'ab Rumi is north.