The SS Thistlegorm is one of the most iconic wreck diving sites in the Red Sea, offering divers a unique opportunity to explore a sunken vessel rich in history and marine life. As you navigate the wreck, you are not only diving through a historical artifact but also engaging with a vibrant underwater ecosystem.
Diving Details:
- **Best Time to Dive**: Early mornings are ideal for diving the SS Thistlegorm to avoid the crowds that arrive later in the day.
- **Depth Range**: The wreck lies between 16 to 33 meters, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced divers.
- **Visibility**: Expect excellent visibility of 15 to 25 meters, which enhances the experience of exploring the wreck and observing marine life.
- **Currents**: Be prepared for potentially strong currents, which may require good buoyancy control and awareness.
- **Water Temperature**: Comfortable water temperatures range from 22 to 28°C, making diving pleasant throughout the year.
Access and Logistics:
- **Location**: The SS Thistlegorm is located 40 km west of Sharm El Sheikh and 65 km north of Hurghada, accessible via day trips and liveaboards.
- **Diving Season**: Diving is possible year-round, but conditions may vary, so it's advisable to check before planning your trip.
The SS Thistlegorm not only serves as a dive site but also as a living museum, showcasing both the remnants of World War II and the thriving marine biodiversity of the Red Sea. Whether you're an experienced diver or looking to expand your skills, this wreck promises an unforgettable underwater adventure.
The Thistlegorm wreck, located on the west coast of the Sinai Peninsula and just 40 km from Sharm El Sheikh, is renowned as the most famous and popular wreck dive in the Red Sea. This 125-meter-long British army freighter tragically sank after only 18 months of service, following its launch in April 1940. The vessel's final journey began on June 2, 1941, when it set sail for Alexandria, loaded with essential wartime supplies during World War II, including tanks, aircraft, armored vehicles, Jeeps, and Bedford trucks.
However, fate had other plans. In the early hours of October 6, 1941, the Thistlegorm was struck by two bombs from a German long-range bomber, splitting her in half and causing her to sink almost instantly. While the initial blast only created a hole in the port side of Hold No. 5, it ignited ammunition in the cargo hold, leading to catastrophic damage. Remarkably, all but nine crew members managed to escape. The HMS Thistlegorm now rests upright at a depth of 30 meters on the sandy seabed, with its stern section separated from the main body by 20 meters.
The wreck remains largely intact, except at the impact site, where the split hull reveals its invaluable cargo. Inside, divers can find trucks, motorbikes, a train, and even Wellington boots. The stern boasts well-preserved guns, and the area around the blast site is scattered with artillery remnants. The site is so rich in history and artifacts that it often takes two days of diving just to explore.
Rediscovered by Jacques Cousteau in 1956, the Thistlegorm is arguably the world’s most sought-after scuba diving wreck. It is believed to be among the most frequently dived sites globally, with numerous divers exploring its depths daily. Many of the holds have air pockets trapped against their ceilings, adding to the allure of this historic site.
The wreck lies upright on the seabed at 33 meters. To access the bow section, divers descend to the main deck at 15 meters and can enter Hold No. 1 through a large square opening near the main anchor chains. The ship features two levels within its holds, allowing divers to navigate from Hold 1 to Hold 3 via interconnecting doorways at a maximum depth of 25 meters. Inside, you’ll find BSA motorbikes, Morris automobiles, Bedford trucks, and armored cars, all seemingly preserved as if ready for action, many still with rubber tires and intact glass windows. Holds 1 and 2 also contain Lee Enfield rifles, while Hold 3 houses bombs, munitions crates, grenades, and anti-tank mines, along with scattered boots and shoes, as well as spare parts for tanks and planes. Marine life in these silted holds is minimal, featuring only small schools of soldierfish and sweepers.
Diving with @bellaliveaboard9544 & @pyramidsdivingcenter7340
Instructors Ahmed Nassar, Hany Hamdy, Sherif Elnemr
Music: https://www.bensound.com
License code: S2AI6WVD0Z7DSVY8
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