Dive into History: Exploring the Wreck of the Thistlegorm

The Thistlegorm, a British merchant navy ship, offers one of the most famous wreck dives in the world. Situated in the Red Sea, this historical site not only provides a captivating dive but also a profound connection to World War II history.

The History of the Thistlegorm

The SS (Steam Ship) Thistlegorm was a British armed Merchant Navy ship, part of the convoy transporting supplies to the Allied forces during World War II. She was launched in Sunderland, UK in 1940 by Joseph Thompson & Son and completed in January 1941. Measuring 415 feet (126.5 meters) in length, the ship was powered by a three-cylinder steam engine, enabling a maximum speed of 10 knots. Despite its potential, the SS Thistlegorm completed only three voyages. The first journey took it to the United States to gather steel rails and aircraft parts. Its second trip led to Argentina for grain and her third to the West Indies for rum. On its last voyage, it was en route to deliver military equipment, vehicles, and ammunition to Alexandria, Egypt. However, on the night of October 6, 1941, the ship found itself anchored in the Straits of Gubal, in the Red Sea.

During the night of October 5th to 6th, 1941, two German bombers returning to Crete after an unsuccessful mission spotted the Thistlegorm by chance. Their original target, the Queen Mary carrying 12,000 Australian troops, had eluded them. At 12:35 AM on October 6th, 1941, needing to unload their munitions before returning home, they attacked the Thistlegorm with two large bombs. The bombs struck near the engine room where ammunition was stored, causing a massive explosion. The blast was so powerful that it catapulted two locomotives into the air, which now rest 100 feet (30 meters) from the hull. The rest of the cargo sank with the ship.

Discovery and Rediscovery

The wreck of the Thistlegorm remained hidden beneath the Red Sea until it was discovered by the legendary Captain Jacques Cousteau in March, 1955. Cousteau and other divers from his research vessel Calypso made several dives on Thistlegorm filming their exploits. They brought several artifacts to the surface including the ships bell. An article appeared in National Geographic in February 1956. However, the wreck didn't gain significant attention until it was rediscovered years later in 1993 by Israeli scuba diver Ronen Levy, reigniting interest in this underwater treasure.

Diving the Thistlegorm

The Thistlegorm rests at a depth of 100 feet (30 meters) on the seabed, making it accessible to advanced and experienced divers. The diving conditions often include strong currents, so it is essential to be prepared.

Inside the wreck, divers can explore an array of historical artifacts. Motorbikes, trucks, spare parts, and even wellington boots are scattered throughout the ship's hold. These remnants provide a unique glimpse into the past, offering an underwater museum experience.

Diving Tips for the Thistlegorm

1. Use a DSMB (Delayed Surface Marker Buoy): The Red Sea is known for its currents, and the Thistlegorm is no exception. Make sure you have a DSMB with you in case you get blown off the wreck.

2. Remember Your Descent Line: As you descend, take note of which line you are using and where it is tied off. This helps ensure you return to the correct boat and avoid the “ride of shame” back to your vessel.

3. Dive Light: Much of the wreck can be penetrated so make sure you have a dive light so that you can see all of the artifacts inside.

4. Pay Attention to Bottom Time: With so much to see in and around the Thistlegorm, it’s very easy to get distracted at what you are looking at, and forget about your No Decompression Limit. Many of the artifacts are deep so keep an eye on both your air consumption and NDL to make sure that you don’t accidentally go into deco.

Popularity and Annual Visitation

The Thistlegorm is one of the most visited wrecks in the world, attracting thousands of divers each year. Estimates suggest that between 5,000 to 10,000 divers explore this iconic site annually. The wreck's popularity is due to its rich history, the abundance of artifacts, and its relatively accessible location in the northern Red Sea. Diving enthusiasts from around the globe travel to experience the unique underwater museum that the Thistlegorm has become. Its allure is further enhanced by the opportunity to witness a piece of World War II history firsthand, making it a bucket-list dive for many. The constant influx of divers ensures that the Thistlegorm remains a well-known and cherished site within the global diving community.

Dive it Before it’s Too Late

The Thistlegorm is over 80 years old and, like all wrecks, is subject to the ravages of time and the sea. The structure is beginning to deteriorate, with parts of the wreck showing signs of significant wear and tear. Divers who have this iconic site on their bucket list should plan their visit sooner rather than later. As the wreck continues to age, the opportunity to experience its current state and explore its wealth of historical artifacts may become more limited.

Additional Resources

For those interested in a deeper understanding of the Thistlegorm, the book "Diving the Thistlegorm" by Simon Brown, Jon Henderson, Alex Mustard and Mike Postons is an excellent reference. It provides comprehensive insights into the wreck’s history and the diving experience. Additionally, you can find all the photogrammetry and experience a virtual tour through the wreck at The Thistlegorm Project’s website.

How to Get There

Getting to the Thistlegorm is an adventure in itself, but well worth the effort. For European divers, direct flights to Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) are available from major cities across the continent (it’s also possible to reach the Thistlegorm from Hurghada which also has direct flights from Europe). From the airport, it’s a short transfer to the marina where day boats and liveaboards depart. For US-based divers, most flights will route through major European hubs such as London, Frankfurt, or Istanbul before reaching Sharm El Sheikh. An alternative route is flying into Cairo International Airport (CAI), followed by a domestic flight to Sharm El Sheikh. Once in Sharm El Sheikh, divers can choose to dive the Thistlegorm via a day boat, which involves a long day with significant travel time. However, for a more leisurely experience with multiple dives on the wreck, booking a liveaboard is highly recommended. Liveaboards provide the convenience of staying close to the dive site, allowing divers to fully explore the Thistlegorm over several days.

Conclusion

Diving the Thistlegorm is more than just an underwater adventure; it’s a dive into history. With its fascinating cargo and storied past, it offers an unparalleled dive experience in the Red Sea. Whether you’re exploring its holds filled with wartime relics or navigating its challenging currents, the Thistlegorm promises an unforgettable journey back in time.