Tabuk Province
Landmark

Catalina Seaplane Wreckage - Tabuk Province

4.6Reviews
Catalina Seaplane Wreckage, Ras Gasabah Saudi Arabia
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Description

For more than 50 years, a war seaplane has remained abandoned at the remote sandy cape of Ras Al-Sheikh Hameed between the Red Sea and the desert of Saudi Arabia. 

History

The plane was originally built for use in World War II, but later an industrialist, bought the plane and planned a world voyage on it with his family. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the plane landed on the Arabian beach and was mistook as hostile by the locals, who opened fire on it. This rendered the plane unfit for flying and resulted in its abandonment. Sign boards have also been erected on the site explaining the history of the wreckage.

Landscape

The enormous plane wreckage lies on the windy beach that usually has low tides. However, the tides can also be high at times with the water reaching the plane. Standing on the beach, onlookers can see Egypt in the far distance. Visitors can take a closer look at this 1930s American military seaplane, although a fence has been built around it recently for the safety of visitors. 

Activities

The site is well maintained, where visitors can explore the wreckage and let their imagination run wild during this historic adventure. The road leading up to the location is muddy but drivable, and there are restroom facilities near the historical site. Due to the strong winds, the weather remains pleasant, making it the perfect place to have a picnic. Children and even adults can enjoy the beach and its crystal clear waters, especially during sunset. This site is perfect for visitors who are in the area with a tight schedule as the visit is short and enlightening.

 

Destination Type
Historical Site
Landmark

Location

Catalina Seaplane Wreckage, Ras Gasabah Saudi Arabia

Reviews

Reviews
4.6
Excellent
from 37 reviews
Excellent
25
Very Good
11
Good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Customer service
1.5
Experience
2.5
Value for money
2.5
Cleanliness
1.5
Safety
2.5
Reviews
LV

Lars von Lennep 1 reviews

08/27/2023 08:19

Heute idyllisch, damals schrecklich

Die ganze Hintergrund-Story zum Catalina-Flugzeugwrack mit vielen Bildern habe ich kürzlich auf unserem Online-Magazin SaudiMag erzählt. Ich habe dabei, erstmalig auf Deutsch, den Original-Hintergrundbericht des damaligen Feuer-Überfalls zugrunde gelegt. Also endlich mal die Fakten in einem Artikel zusammengefasst. Einfach mal nach SaudiMag + Catalina googeln !
Russell Reed

Russell Reed

08/11/2023 10:57

Google review

The Catalina Seaplane wreckage is a little bit of local history that is worth visiting if you are in the area. The site is remote but there is a gravel trail to the wreckage that is passable in a normal car, although a 4x4 or SUV is recommended. There is normally a few other people around at the weekends but the site is never busy. There is a sign that explains how the wreckage got there, but if you dig a little deeper the real story is more interesting that the story that's posted. There is newly opened restroom nearby and is a good place for a quick paddle or a swim.
David Benito

David Benito

07/04/2023 13:33

Google review

The place holds a WWII seaplane stranded on the red sea coast. Free entry any time.
Amaan Umer

Amaan Umer

06/16/2023 16:20

Google review

An American person was on a world tour with his family on this seaplane in 1950. Catalina seaplane was capture by Saudi government for violating Saudi border law. The family was returned unhurt to their home country.
Muhammad Saqib

Muhammad Saqib

04/23/2023 18:35

Google review

The wreckage of a restored Consolidated PBY-5A Catolina United States Navy seaplane, built in San Diego, California in the 1930’s can be found on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, near Ras Al-Sheikh Hameed. The plane was bought from the US Navy by Thomas Kendall, a retired businessman, who converted it to a luxury flying yacht. In the spring of 1960 Mr Kendall took a pleasure trip around the world with his wife and children together with his secretary and her son. On the 22 March 1960 they landed at the Strait of Tirana and anchored the aircraft a short distance from the shore to spend the night there. They heard someone shouting but did not pay any attention and subsequently in the afternoon of the following day, they were attacked with machine guns and automatic firearms from a headland nearby as they did not have relevant permits and were mistaken for Israeli commandos. Mr Kendal tried to start the Catalina but only managed to move it about 800 metres, where it ran aground on a coral reef. The firing lasted 30 to 40 minutes and more than 300 shots hit the aircraft. The fuel tanks were perforated, and 4000 litres of fuel poured from the holes but miraculously the aircraft did not catch fire. The sea was only about 1.5 metres deep and all aboard managed to leave the aircraft and reach the shore. On the beach they were captured by a group of Bedouins attached to the Saudi Arabian army and were taken to Jeddah, interrogated and finally set free with the help of the American Ambassador. According to Google....
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Questions
MM

Maria Precious Malbuezo 1 questions

12/30/2022 17:46

Can we go there using a small regular car?.. Thanks
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