The Bulk Carrier MILLION HOPE was launched as the “Ryusei Maru” in 1972. The ship is used to transport bulk cargo, including unpackaged products, thanks to its five separate holds and four gantry cranes.
Today it is the largest wreck in the Red Sea, but not much dived.
174,6m x 24,8 x 10m;
2 x 6 Cylinder diesel engines – 11.600 bhp – 17 knots
Million Hope, was new insured for £1·36 million in 1996 by her new owners. Only six weeks later, became a total loss. She was loaded with a 26.000 ton of Potash and Phosphates, when she sailed from Aqaba to Taiwan. On 20th June 1996 she struck a reef in near Nabq, approx. 3 miles north of Sharm El Sheikh. They said they had ‘ poor visibility’ – In June on the Red Sea ! 😉 The crew of 25 men, made up of Filipinos, was rescued by Egyptian warships. The cargo of potash and phosphates was removed from the ship just after the ship’s impact on the reef. The oil leaks were immediately stopped. There was no damage to the coral reefs.
The wreck of Million Hope is still located in front of the Jaz Mirabel Hotel in Nabq Bay. She is lying in shallow waters (0-22m) and main parts were visible on the surface. So, they started to salvage and demolish the wreck. Obviously the lost one crane wich is lying some meters away from the stern.
The dive
Diving this wreck is quite easy and there is a lot to see. You can even get into the machine room (Don’t forget a lamp).
The model
I scanned the wreck on July 3rd 2024. You can download the files in my Download area.
