The SS Thistlegorm: Diving the World’s Most Famous Shipwreck
The Crown Jewel of the Red Sea
There are shipwrecks, and then there is the SS Thistlegorm. Widely considered one of the top dive sites on the planet, this World War II British Merchant Navy ship is more than just a wreck—it is an underwater museum frozen in time.
Lying upright in 30 meters of water in the Strait of Gubal, the Thistlegorm offers a diving experience that is unrivaled in its atmospheric beauty. Whether you are a history buff or an adrenaline seeker, descending onto the decks of this 126-meter colossus is a moment you will never forget.
Why Dive the SS Thistlegorm?
Unlike many wrecks that are empty shells, the Thistlegorm is packed with its original cargo. Exploring her holds is like walking onto a film set from 1941. Because she sits within recreational depths (16m–30m), she is accessible to Advanced Open Water divers, offering a rare opportunity to see wartime history up close.
The "Underwater Museum": What You Will See
The Thistlegorm was carrying supplies for the British 8th Army in North Africa when she was sunk. Her cargo remains remarkably intact and includes:
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Motorcycles: Rows of BSA W-M20s and Norton 16Hs stacked in the holds.
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Trucks: Bedford, Morris, and Ford trucks are still parked on the decks and in the holds.
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Locomotives: Two massive LMS Stanier Class 8F steam locomotives (blown off the deck during the explosion) are sitting on the seabed.
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Armored Vehicles: Universal Carriers (Bren Gun Carriers).
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Aircraft Parts: Wings and engine cowlings for Westland Lysander planes and Bristol Blenheim bombers.
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Weaponry: Lee Enfield rifles, ammunition crates, aircraft bombs, and anti-tank mines.
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Personal Gear: Wellington boots, uniforms, and radio equipment.
The History: A Voyage Cut Short
Launched in April 1940, the SS Thistlegorm was on her fourth voyage, sailing around Africa to avoid German activity in the Mediterranean. She anchored at Safe Anchorage F (Sha'ab Ali) to await passage through the Suez Canal.
On the night of October 6, 1941, two German Heinkel He 111 bombers dispatched from Crete spotted the vessel. At 1:30 AM, two bombs struck Hold #4, which contained ammunition. The resulting explosion tore the ship in two and sent her to the bottom, claiming the lives of nine crew members.
The wreck remained undisturbed until Jacques Cousteau discovered it in 1955. It was then lost again until its rediscovery in the early 1990s, quickly becoming a legend in the diving community.
The Diving Experience
We typically dive the Thistlegorm as two separate dives to ensure you experience the full scale of the wreck.
Dive 1: The Exterior & Stern
Your first dive usually focuses on the outside of the wreck to understand its massive scale.
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The Stern: Descend to 30m to see the huge propeller and rudder.
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The Guns: Witness the 4.7-inch anti-aircraft gun and heavy caliber machine gun still pointing towards the surface.
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The Blast Area: Swim over the debris field where the bomb hit, observing the scattered artillery shells and the two fallen locomotives on the sand.
Dive 2: The Penetration
The second dive takes you inside. Entering through the blast area or cargo holds, you will drift through the upper and lower decks.
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The Holds: Glide over the rows of trucks and motorcycles, their tires and glass headlights still intact after 80 years underwater.
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The Captain’s Cabin: Visit the bridge and the captain's bathroom, where the bathtub remains.
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Atmosphere: The play of light beams cutting through the dark holds creates a cathedral-like atmosphere that is truly haunting.
Marine Life
While the metal is the main attraction, the marine life is spectacular. The Thistlegorm acts as a massive artificial reef in the open strait.
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Schooling Fish: Huge schools of Batfish, Barracuda, and Snapper patrol the wreck.
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Predators: Look out for Giant Trevallies hunting in the current.
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Residents: You will often find massive Giant Moray Eels, Scorpionfish, Crocodilefish on the decks, and the resident Hawksbill Turtles napping in the superstructure.
Diver Prerequisites & Logistics
Because the wreck sits at 30 meters and can experience strong currents, this dive is best suited for:
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Certification: Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent).
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Experience: Comfortable with deep dives and potential currents.
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Nitrox: Highly recommended to extend your bottom time and maximize your exploration.
The Early Bird Advantage: To give you the best experience, we start early. Departing Sharm el-Sheikh around 6:00 AM allows us to arrive at the wreck before the crowds, often giving us a "private" tour of the site during the first dive.
Ready to Witness History?
Diving the SS Thistlegorm is a bucket-list experience that every diver should do at least once. Don't miss your chance to explore the world's most famous shipwreck with Red Sea Marine.
