Loullia

The Loullia was a 2,479 GRT motor bulk carrier which began life as the Antonina built at Öresundvarvet A/B (Yard No. 121), Landskrona, Sweden for Rederi A/B Poseidon, Stockholm, Sweden. She was launched on 06 May 1952 and completed on 17 July with a length of 107.5 meters, beam of 14.3 meters, and draught of 8.49 meters, with diesel engines and a single screw for a top speed of 14.5 knots.

In 1965 the ship was sold and renamed Zschopau and was possibly owned by an East German company. The ship was sold again in 1978 to the Blue Mediterranean Shipping Company (managed by Amin Kawar & Sons Co. W.L.L., Amman, Jordan).

On 29 September 1981, while sailing in ballast from Aqaba, Jordan to Suez, the Loullia ran aground on the northern edge of Gordon Reef in the Straits of Tiran at position 27.59.30N/34.27.12E. The crew remained onboard and unsuccessfully attempted to refloat the ship. The ship was abandoned on 02 October and declared a total constructive loss.

It is rumoured that for many years afterwards, that the wreck was used as a base for drug dealers operating out of the Straits of Tiran.

This is not a wreck dive per se. However, she provides some really good photography opportunities from the surface after completing a dive at Gordon Reef. The ship is perched on top of the reef with her bows facing to the east. The ship has broken into multiple sections over time and will eventually drop off the reef’s edge where she will most likely settle in deep water. Many years ago there was a lifeboat located on the bottom beneath the ship at between 45 and 55 meters, however we do not know if it is still there. It is not advisable to dive beneath the wreck as it sits today!

References:

Miramar Single Ship Reports for 5020160

http://www.maritime-database.com/company.php?cid=256658

http://www.touregypt.net/VDC/miscegyptwrecks.htm

http://www.maritime-mutual.com/correspondent/correspondents_j.html