AL Arish, formerly known as El Tor, was a roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry that met its end resting on the seabed of the Red Sea near Safaga, Egypt.
Originally built in 1980 as the El Tor in Norway, the ferry served the route between ports in Saudi Arabia and Egypt until its mysterious sinking in 2002 (some sources say 2004). There are conflicting stories about how it ended up underwater. Some say it was intentionally scuttled due to unpaid harbor fees, while others claim it was an insurance scam.
The AL Arish lies on its port side on the sandy bottom at a depth of 37 meters (121 feet) in a relatively sheltered area. This makes it a good dive for a variety of divers, from beginners (exploring the shallower sections) to experienced wreck divers who can explore the deeper parts.
Visibility around the wreck is generally good, ranging from 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet). Currents in the area are also weak, making for a pleasant diving experience.
The wreck has become an artificial reef, teeming with marine life. Divers can expect to see colorful coral formations, a variety of fish species, crustaceans, and even occasional sightings of larger predators like sharks.
Due to its depth and potential penetration points, the AL Arish is best suited for Advanced Open Water (AOW) certified divers or those with similar qualifications.