This is an outstanding dive by any standards - with the Diver left wondering how any ship could come to rest at such an angle. One would have expected the forces of gravity to have taken over at some point and send the vessel to a much deeper resting place. But not in this case and the Aïda lies straight "up" the reef with her bows at 25m and her stern at 60m. Apart from substantial damage to the Bows, this ship is virtually intact.
After more than 40 years underwater, the Aïda is now permanently concreted to the Reef on which she has slowly become a part. There is considerable coral growth all over the ship. With decreasing intensity as one ventures deeper and deeper, the Diver will encounter a wide variety of soft corals and hard corals with the shallower parts of the wreck being a veritable living confusion of colour. Add to this an amazing selection of fish life which includes everything from large Grouper and Tuna - always found feeding at first light, and the thousands of Vanikoro Sweepers that inhabit No 1 Hold and this is a wreck that has something for everyone.
After the damaged bows, most of the main forward deck is intact. The wooden decking has rotted away -

leaving a virtually intact steel framework with easy access to all parts. The forward hold is empty and, once inside, the Diver is totally sheltered from the current - which can be quite strong.
Incredibly, the forward mast is still largely intact and continues to defy the inevitable laws of deterioration as it points up from the wreck and away from the vertical Reef. Below the mast are an assortment of winches with a boom lying across the deck itself. Amidships is the raised Centre Castle with what remains of a wooden Bridge Structure. This is no more than a platform but there are still much to see - especially amongst the accommodation block below. There are many cabins to explore - most of which still have their brass portholes in place.
The ship’s funnel is at almost 50m and now lies on its side - partly rusted away. A massive steam whistle - very similar to the one found on the Rosalie Moller, can be seen on its under side - with everything now firmly concreted to the upper decks on which it lies. Immediately below is the entrance to the Engine Room - complete with the 3 cylinder triple expansion steam engine looking as though it could still drive the vessel through the water.
From here, conditions are very deep indeed. The Aïda was never salvaged so it is all still there - right down to the single propeller at 60m. The after-deck is completely intact - except for the absence of woodwork. The coral growth is quite outstanding for such depths - though nothing like the shallower reaches of the vessel where greater sunlight penetration ensures a more prolific growth. This, of course, is where the big boys hang out - and I have never seen Grouper this size anywhere else in the Red Sea.