Nearly forty years ago, the Georgios G ship met its tragic fate off the coast of Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, along the Gulf of Aqaba in NEOM. The wreck, which some call the “Saudi Titanic,” has now become a part of the Saudi coastal landscape.
The history of the Georgios G wreck
The Georgios G was built in the United Kingdom in 1949. Measuring 71 metres in length and 11 metres in width, it was not a large vessel. It was designed for coastal navigation rather than long oceanic voyages.
The Georgios G was originally named the “SS Poole Quay” and was built by William Pickersgill & Sons Ltd for the London Electricity Board. Over the following 23 years, it was sold to various owners, with its name changing with each new proprietor, eventually becoming the “SS Georgios G” when it was purchased by a Greek shipping company in 1972. The Georgios G found its final resting place in the shallow waters near Aqaba. Its story ended abruptly, leaving behind a rusted hull that captivates the imagination of divers.
The Accident
On the night of 4th April 1978, en route to Dubai, the ship became trapped in the coral reefs near the Saudi coast. The steam engine suddenly stopped. It was carrying a cargo of flour, which can be explosive under certain conditions. The crew was unaware of the deadly nature of the cargo as they attempted to restart the engine. The flour grains ignited instantly. The ship was then engulfed in flames for several days. The fire ravaged the Georgios G, leaving behind only the iron carcass visible today.
Visit to the Georgios G Wreck
The car park is clearly visible as you approach the site. Signs remind visitors of the conduct expected in the NEOM region. The wreck itself is located just behind the sand dunes.
Encounters with the Coast Guard
I visited the wreck of the Georgios G twice. The coast guards were like sentinels. Even with my badge, I was unable to negotiate my way through. They only allowed me to approach the beach but not the ship itself.
Underwater diving
Today, the preservation of coral reefs and the marine environment in NEOM means that the wreck has been left as it is. It has become a sanctuary for fish, turtles, and other marine life, much to the delight of divers! The Georgios G is not the only wreck found in the area. Other, much older ships also rest beneath the waters. These sites will be accessible to divers once the NEOM region is open to the public.
NEOM impact
As I stand from afar, contemplating the spot where the wreck rests, I reflect on the significance of such sites. The Georgios G wreck, much like the Catalina seaplane wreck, are time capsules that deserve to remain in history.
NEOM is radically transforming the Gulf of Aqaba. As infrastructure emerges, access to attractions and natural and historical treasures such as the Georgios G wreck is becoming more difficult. However, this inaccessibility is only temporary. These attractions will reopen, albeit in a very different manner. I believe their accessibility will still change. NEOM aims to protect its natural and historical sites while also rethinking how we experience them, in order to create a lasting legacy for future generations.
Construction of “The Line” in 2023
The road to the Georgios G wreck was long. Along the way, beautiful coastal landscapes, turquoise water, and of course, camels. These humpbacked pedestrians, with no sense of the traffic rules, don’t hesitate to cross the road right in front of the car 🙂
