SHOTLIST:

RED SEA (DEC. 18, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL)

1. VARIOUS OF UNDERWATER FOOTAGE OF WRECKAGE OF SALEM EXPRESS FERRY WITH CORALS / DIVERS AND FISH SWIMMING AROUND SUNKEN SHIP RED SEA - DEC. 18: The wreck of the Salem Express ferry lies on the seabed of the Red Sea, where the passenger vessel sank, leaving hundreds dead in one of the region’s deadliest maritime disasters.

The sunken Salem Express ferry, which sank near the city of Safaga in the Red Sea on Dec. 14, 1991, was en route from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to Egypt.

The ship, carrying hundreds of pilgrims returning from the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca to Jeddah, collided violently with the southeastern part of a reef chain known as the Hyndman Reef near the end of the journey as it approached SafagaPort from Jeddah.

As the ship sank rapidly, a definitive list of the number of passengers on board could not be found.

Egyptian authorities ultimately determined the final death toll to be 470, while 180 passengers and crew managed to survive and reach the shore on their own.

Despite Egypt's authorities recovering most of the bodies, diving into the wreckage was prohibited due to its status as a submerged memorial grave.

The sunken ship, bearing the name Salem Express on its chimney, reveals suitcases, baby strollers, and various personal items. Submerged for over 30 years, the ferry's surface is covered with algae and corals.

Among the suitcases, there are various items believed to be gifts that pilgrims purchased for their relatives on their return.

Inside the wreck, there is a restaurant with fixed tables. Lifeboats are present alongside, and the propellers at the rear have remained intact until today.