Thistlegorm Wreck Diving – A World War II Treasure Beneath the Red Sea

Dive into history with an unforgettable wreck diving experience at the SS Thistlegorm, one of the most famous and accessible wreck dive sites in the world, located in the northern Red Sea, Egypt.

This British armed merchant navy transport ship, tragically sunk during World War II in 1941 by German bombers, now rests on the seabed, offering divers a profound glimpse into the past. The wreck is renowned globally for its perfectly preserved, visible cargo, military vehicles, and the vibrant marine ecosystem that has made it a home.

The History and Sinking of the SS Thistlegorm

The SS Thistlegorm (meaning “Blue Thistle”) was on a crucial mission, transporting vital supplies from the UK to Allied forces fighting in North Africa. Her cargo manifest reads like a museum exhibit.

The Fatal Encounter

On the night of October 6, 1941, while anchored in the Strait of Gubal, awaiting passage through the Suez Canal, the Thistlegorm was targeted by German Luftwaffe bombers searching for a larger target, HMS *Orion*. The bombs struck the ship’s No. 4 hold, causing massive explosions due to the volatile nature of its contents, leading to the sinking of the vessel in just over a minute.

The Cargo: A Time Capsule of War

What makes the Thistlegorm exceptional is the sheer volume and variety of its preserved cargo, lying scattered across the sand and within the corridors of the ship. Divers can explore:

• Bedford trucks and Norton 16H motorcycles, lined up neatly in the holds.
• Stacks of BSA B-midget motorcycles intended for the British forces.
• Two steam locomotives (a distinctive feature often spotted from above).
• Stacks of Bren carriers (light armored vehicles).
• Ammunition crates, rifles, and various types of military equipment.

Diving the Thistlegorm Wreck Site

The Thistlegorm sits at a maximum depth of approximately 30 meters (100 feet), making it accessible to advanced open water divers, though deeper penetration requires specialized training.

Key Dive Features

The wreck is largely intact, stretching 128 meters long. Divers typically navigate the perimeter before venturing inside. The penetration dives are the highlight, allowing close inspection of the cargo holds.

Depth Profile: The seabed is around 30m, while the upper decks reach about 15-18m, offering excellent conditions for multi-level diving.

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Marine Life Encounters

Beyond the historical artifacts, the Thistlegorm has transformed into a thriving artificial reef. Expect to see large schools of batfish, moray eels residing within the structure, scorpionfish camouflaged on the deck, and, occasionally, reef sharks patrolling the deeper areas.

Logistics for Visiting the Thistlegorm

Due to its location and depth, the Thistlegorm is almost exclusively visited via liveaboard trips or dedicated day trips from Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada.

Best Time to Dive

The visibility in the area is generally excellent year-round. However, the warmer months (May to September) offer more comfortable surface conditions, though the water temperature remains pleasantly warm even in winter.

Prerequisites for Divers

While the exterior is manageable for experienced divers, penetrating the holds requires proper training (Wreck Diver Specialty certification is highly recommended) and adherence to strict safety protocols, including carrying necessary redundant equipment like torches and reels.

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Exploring the SS Thistlegorm is not just a dive; it is a pilgrimage for history enthusiasts and technical divers alike, offering an unparalleled journey back to the pivotal moments of the 20th century, preserved perfectly beneath the azure waters of the Red Sea.

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