This is probably one of the most emotive wrecks of the Red Sea simply due to the sheer number of people who were lost after striking a reef on the way to Safaga and her sinking within 20 minutes.
Despite the official manifest stating that she was carrying 578 passengers and 71 crew, a remarkable 850 bodies were recovered during a 3 day rescue operation after her sinking. The Egyptian Navy then called off the search as it was too dangerous for divers to enter the lower decks of the ship, leaving some souls still trapped inside. It is estimated that the total number passengers could have exceeded 1600.
The Salem Express now lies on her starboard side in 32m. There is some controversy about diving this wreck, particularly about those who want to venture inside. The important thing to remember if you do choose to dive the Salem Express is that this is still technically a grave and the proper amount of respect and care should be taken, just as you would when entering a cemetery.
Learn more and read the full story of her sinking at: http://dive.im/15CUQ09
