random fashion . The remains of a BMW 3 Series belonging to her captain is visible among the marine life-encrusted wreckage .
Another highlight is Jackfish Alley . A mix of shallow caves and giant coral heads populated by shoals of glassfish , morays and blue spotted rays kept me engaged despite it being a little early in the season for the jackfish to make an appearance .
The Straits of Tiran are located at the beginning of the Gulf of Aqaba . Here , Jackson , Woodhouse , Thomas and Gordon reefs ( named after four 19th century British cartographers ) provide strong currents through their narrow passages .
Thomas Reef is a classic drift dive . Its eastern side is alive with corals , drops to a sandy plateau before plunging beyond recreational limits . This high-energy area attracts barracuda , jackfish , and if you ’ re lucky , sharks .
Recognisable by the topside wreckage of Panamanian cargo ship , Loullia , on its northern side , Gordon Reef is the southernmost and largest . Diving as a drift or with the boat at a mooring is dependent on the prevailing conditions .
Jackson Reef , my favourite of the three I dived , is home to another rusting hulk , a Cypriot merchant vessel , Lara . A real jewel in the crown , its pristine , colourful reefs are teeming with life . Triangular in shape , the
Lionfish on the Thistlegorm
Motorcycles on the Thistlegorm
A school of batfish patrol the reef
Splashdown !
Barracuda in the blue 55