Cedar Pride – Shipwreck

General Info

• Dive Site Name: Cedar Pride

• Depth: 10 – 27 Metres (33 – 89 Ft)
  • Bow: 15 Metres (49 Ft)
  • Stern: 27 Metres (89 Ft)
  • Starboard Side: 10 Metres (33 Ft)

• Length: 74.4 Metres (244 Ft)

• Width: 10.4 Metres (34 Ft)

• Draft: 4.9 Metres (16 Ft)

• Accessibility: By Boat & By Shore

• Location: Aqaba, Jordan
  • 29°25.852’N 34°58.375’E – South Beach, Aqaba Marine Park

The Cedar Pride has taken on several names over it’s lifetime. Originally built in Gijon, Spain under the name of ”Mone Dos” in 1964. It was purchased by another Spanish company in Bilboa in 1969, changing name its name to ”Puerto De Pasajes”. Followed by a further name change in 1978 to the ”St. Bruno”. Finally being purchased by the Lebanese shipping company ”Cedar Pride”, taking on it’s company name.

The Cedar Pride is a 74m long general cargo vehicle. It arrived in Aqaba’s Port in July 1982 and on the 2nd August, a fire incurred, swiftly spreading with it’s current cargo of cotton. Two sailors lost their lives as it rapidly ingulfed the accommodation and engine room. She remained there afloat for 3 years with no-one accepting responsibility.

It was the first ship to be scuttled in Aqaba. It was sunk on the 16th November 1985 by the request of King Abdullah II, who is a keen diver himself. This become the first of many artificial reefs created. One of these being the famous and world’s only Underwater Military Museum.

My video of the wreck is on YouTube

Lying between two reefs on it’s portside. It’s starboard side is at 10m, with it’s stern reaching down to 27m. Purposely sunk to a depth accessible to all levels of divers.

It is accessible by boat (mooring line located at the stern) and also by shore (180m from shore).

Key Features:

• Crow’s Nest

You can take it easy and just swim around the wreck, the crow’s next, with it’s eye-catching soft corals, allows for an excellent view without ever having to penetrate the wreck.

• Two Big Cargo Holds (Air Pocket In Rear)

For the intermediate divers, the cargo holds provide an overhead environment with lots of space. Check out the air pocket in the cargo hold at the rear, just remember to keep in your regulator.

• Engine Room

For the thrill seekers, the enclosed spaces, in particular the engine room, make for a more challenging dive.

With the way it’s positioned on the reef you can also swim underneath the boat, around the mid point of the ship.

• Lifeboat At The Stern

However you want to approach this wreck, it’s breathtaking scenery make for an unforgettable dive.

”The Diving In Aqaba”

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