The SS Dunraven was a freighter with a mixed propulsion system sail and steam of English nationality. She moved about 1000tx for a length of 82m and 9.7m at the beam.

Launched in 1873 at the C.Mitchell and C. Iron Ship Builders at Newcastle upon Tyne, she was destined for the route of Indies via the Suez canal. The wreck occurred during the night of the 22 April 1876, while returning from Bombay to Newcastle loaded with a cargo of wool and cotton. She hit the south point of Sha'ab Mahmud reef. The cargo set fire and burned during 13 hours until the ship capsized and finally settled down at 25m of depth. This wreck probably didn't create any casualties due to the long agony of the boat.

The SS Dunraven lies upside down on the slope of the reef. The hull is broken in half at mid point, but both parts stayed aligned. It's best to start the dive on the stern of the ship and make your way back navigating inside the hull where their is plenty of natural light. The stern is the part that is best conserved and probably the prettiest. The propeller is still in place and is decorated with superb alcyonairs. Penetration is easy due to large cracks open on starboard. A careful eye will notice the remainders of the cargo; old ropes in canapa and even some cotton balls. One will also find all the new residents; large groupers, scorpion fish and crocodile fish. In the engine room, we still find a large boiler, a large chimney and air inlets. The metallic mast's lie on the sea bed with their shroud's cased now with madrepores. The stern is damaged but holds an exceptional concentration of sword fish.

There are no particular difficulties, no fishing nets. The visibility can however fall du to the presence of sediments. Nitrox 36 would be the gas of choice for this dive, giving us over 30 minutes without leaving the NDL.