Shipwrecks from the Egyptian Red Sea [Hardcover]

Underwater Publication of the year for 2007!

Finally published in October 2006 after 9 years of painstaking research, the shipwrecks detailed in this work rate amongst the greatest in the world. They includes vessels from the 19th Century such as the "Carnatic" lost in 1869, right up to those which foundered in the late 20th Century - such as the "Million Hope" in 1996. They also include the legendary "Thistlegorm" which has become the world's most visited underwater location.

There are nineteen major featured shipwrecks - including two which are only recently discovered. Each of these is exposed in minute detail in terms of the ship's history, dimensions, machinery and cargo with the inclusion of whatever historic photographs are available. Then we have an account of that all-important final voyage which provides the reason why each vessel is found where she is today - underwater. Finally, I have included a personal description of each wreck - from stem to stern, as part of my own overall survey of each craft. None of these wrecks were deliberately sunk as diving attractions, so each one has its own very unique story to tell.

I have then added much shorter accounts of another eighteen vessels which were too small to be classified as ships - tugboats, barges etc. Whilst not significant ships in their own right, each of these is still able to provide an enjoyable dive. Finally, I have included the briefest possible details of approx. 250 additional ships names which relate to vessels that are either not yet discovered, far too deep, lost elsewhere in the Red Sea or, in some cases, never even existed...

Several important factors set this book apart from other works; Firstly, accuracy of information. Each subject shipwreck has been studied and scrutinised in minute detail to provide the reader with the best possible assessment. Secondly, Rico Oldfield - a marine artist of the highest possible calibre, has illustrated each of the major shipwrecks. So that he could produce artwork of the utmost standard, each of the main shipwrecks was photographed from end to end in order to produce an accurate montage from which he was able work. The result has now moved shipwreck guides for scuba divers onto a new and higher plane.

Altogether, the work contains some 62,000 words, 23 individual works of art, 34 historic photographs, 125 original colour photographs plus 3 charts.

With plenty of new information about some of the world's most popular wrecks and many myths destroyed, this book has already proved to be an excellent read for diver and non-diver alike. Do enjoy.

My very best wishes.

Ned Middleton