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Straits of Tiran

Ras Mohammed

´Sha`ab Mahmoud´

´Sha`ab Ali´

´Sha`ab Ali´ > Kingston/Shag Rock


The "Kingston", sunk 1881, is sitting upright in the shallow waters of Shag Rock





GPS Position: 27°46.697´N 33°52.511´E
Description:

Shag Rock lies approximately one mile to the west of the Sha`ab Ali lagoon. It is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, The Thistlegorm, but is nevertheless a first rate dive. At the northern end lies the wreck of the Kingston. At the southern end of the reef is a shallow plateau, scoured by strong currents and extremely rich in sea life. The prevailing current here comes from the north, splitting around the wreck and running down either side of the reef at anything up to four knots. The best dive starts at the wreck. It is only accessible in calm seas. Take your time to examine the stern. The rudder and propeller are very photogenic. On the top deck is a large steel spare propeller. The front of the wreck is largely disintegrated, most likely on impact, but the boilers and condensers of the engine room are still present as are many brass portholes. Living on the wreck are many inhabitants of the shallow reef table. Sohal surgeonftsh, rabbitfish and nudibranchs which graze off the carpet of algae on the wreck. The wreck is small, so when you have seen enough, head off down the western wall of Shag Rock. The reef is extremely rich, diverse and untouched. Grouper, yellow snapper and jackfish abound. In the blue off the wreck is also one of the most likely places for encounters with dolphins. To dive the south plateau, drop in about 200 m up the west wall, the east wall is strewn with garbage from the construction of the beacon. Drift back with the current. You will find a sandy slope down to 25 m, scattered with coral bommies. Turtles, morays, groupers and potato cod are common inhabitants. White-tip reef sharks hide under the table corals. Dolphins and even grey reef sharks are occasional visitors to this plateau.

The Ship:
The Kingston was built in Sunderland by the Oswald Shipbuilding Company, and launched on 16th February 1871. She was technically described as an "Iron, Screw, Brigantine" and was one of a relatively new breed of ship which had a funnel as well as two masts. Powered by a single, 2 cylinder compound steam-engine, the Kingston was capable of a top speed of 11 knots. She was a general cargo vessel and measured 78 m long, 10 m wide and had draught of 6 m. She displaced 1,449 gross registered tons.

 



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