The Kimon M

The Kimon M — affectionately called the 'Lentil Wreck' for the cargo of lentils she was carrying when she sank — is the fourth and northernmost of the Abu Nuhas wrecks, a 106-meter German cargo ship that ran onto Sha'ab Abu Nuhas reef in December 1978 while en route from Turkey to Bombay. She broke apart on the reef and sank to rest on a sandy slope off the northern flank, her bow pointing skyward at a steep angle and her stern settled in deeper water. The wreck lies between 10 and 32 meters, with the bow section relatively intact and dramatically inclined, while the stern and midsection are more broken. Divers typically follow the hull from stern to bow, observing the collapsed cargo holds where remnants of lentil sacks and cargo equipment can still be identified. The engine room offers safe penetration opportunities for properly trained divers, while the stern's intact propeller and rudder are compelling photographic subjects at 30 meters. Marine life is abundant. The wreck's 40-plus years of submersion have allowed rich coral encrustation — soft corals, sponges, and gorgonian fans cover the hull. Glassfish schools fill the interior, and the surrounding reef wall attracts resident grey reef sharks, giant moray eels, Napoleon wrasse, and the full complement of Red Sea reef fish. Scorpionfish, crocodile fish, and lionfish blend into the encrusted steel, rewarding patient observation. The Kimon M is Advanced Open Water diving due to the 32-meter maximum depth, with Wreck and Nitrox certifications recommended for penetration and extended bottom times. Reached by day boat from Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh, or more commonly as part of a northern Red Sea liveaboard itinerary that covers all four Abu Nuhas wrecks plus the nearby Thistlegorm. Visibility 20-30 meters, water temperatures 22-29°C. Best conditions run March through November.