The Siris was a Liberian register tanker of 28,748 GRT which was originally named the Aurora. Built at Uraga Shipyard (Yard No. 750), Uraga ,Yokosuka Kanagawa Japan, she was launched 12 February 1960 and completed the following June with a length of 223.5 meters and beam of 30.6 meters. Propulsion was provided by triple-expansion engines and a single propeller for a top speed of 16 knots.
In 1967 the ship was sold (Owners unknown) and renamed Siris
On 26 October 197, the last day of the Yom Kippur War (1973 Arab-Israeli War, or the Fourth Arab-Israeli War), the Siris was sailing in the Straits of Gubal while in ballast when she struck an Egyptian-layed mine. The ship was then ran aground near the Ashrafi Light and sank shortly afterwards at position 27.49N/33.45E in deep water.
Diving Information
This is supposedly the largest shipwreck in the Red Sea and is listed on the dive itineraries of a few dive operators. However, we have yet to locate any information concerning this dive or photos of the wreck.
References:
Miramar Single Ship Reports for 5030969
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yom_Kippur_War#At_sea
http://www.redseasafaris.dk/red-sea-destinations/the-wrecks/egypt-northern-wrecks.aspx
http://www.touregypt.net/VDC/miscegyptwrecks.htm
The Handbook of Humanitarian Law in Armed Conflicts By Dieter Fleck, Michael Bothe (Page 456)