CHRONICLES OF THE DEEP
Discover the SS Thistlegorm
A Journey Through History
The SS Thistlegorm is widely regarded as one of the world's most spectacular wreck dives, resting in the northern Red Sea just 40 kilometers west of Sharm el Sheikh. This 126-meter British cargo steamship was built in Sunderland, England in 1940 and met her fate on October 6, 1941, when German bombers struck her ammunition hold, causing a massive explosion that sank the vessel and claimed nine lives.
A Time Capsule Beneath the Waves
What makes the Thistlegorm extraordinary is her remarkably preserved wartime cargo, which remains largely intact on the seabed at 25-30 meters depth. Divers can explore Bedford trucks, BSA motorcycles, armored vehicles, railway locomotives, aircraft parts, rifles, ammunition, and even Wellington boots—all destined for Allied forces in North Africa but frozen in time beneath the Red Sea.
Rediscovered by Jacques Cousteau
After lying forgotten for over a decade, the wreck was rediscovered in 1956 by legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau during an expedition aboard his research vessel Calypso. Cousteau featured the Thistlegorm in his Oscar-winning documentary "The Silent World," bringing international attention to this underwater museum. The site remained relatively unknown until the early 1990s, when Sharm el Sheikh emerged as a diving destination and the wreck became accessible to recreational divers.
Thistlegorm Wreck, Image Source : BlueHorizonRedSea | MarcelloDiFrancesco.com
A Living Historical Monument
Award-winning BBC producer Caroline Hawkins created the acclaimed documentary "Last Voyage of the Thistlegorm" in the mid-1990s, conducting extensive interviews with survivors of the attack and meticulously researching the ship's final journey. Her work, along with that of Scottish photographer Gavin Anderson who documented the wreck extensively throughout the 1990s, has helped preserve the human stories behind this maritime tragedy.
Today, the Thistlegorm offers divers from Sharm el Sheikh an unforgettable two-dive experience combining WWII history, impressive marine life including barracuda and tuna, and the thrill of exploring one of the Red Sea's most iconic sites.
SS Thistlegorm Day Trips from Sharm El Sheikh
The Logistics
A Thistlegorm day trip is an exhilarating marathon. Expect an early start around 4:00 AM for the 3.5-hour boat ride. You'll complete two dives on the wreck and be back at your Sharm resort by late afternoon, filled with stories of a lifetime.
Safety & Gear
Minimum Advanced Open Water certification is required due to depths (up to 30m) and potential currents. We provide full equipment rental and ensure small groups for maximum safety and a tailored, personal experience on this world-class wreck.
Holiday Flow
Adding Thistlegorm as a 'plus-one' to your Sharm resort stay is seamless. It offers a majestic adventure break between relaxing beach days, providing the variety and depth that turn a standard holiday into a Travel M expedition.
Plan with Maya
Your local expert in the Red Sea
The SS Thistlegorm is close to my heart. It's not just a dive; it's a journey into history. Whether you're staying in Sharm or looking for a liveaboard safari, I'm here to ensure your wreck adventure is perfectly tailored to your level and style. Let's make your dream dive a reality.
The Liveaboard Life
Diving the SS Thistlegorm as part of a liveaboard safari offers the ultimate immersive experience. These multi-day routes typically include 'North & Wrecks' or 'Get Wrecked' itineraries, allowing for multiple dives on this legendary site, including the magical night dive. Unlike day trips, you wake up already on-site, beating the crowds and enjoying the wreck in its most serene state. It's the perfect choice for dedicated divers looking to maximize their time underwater while enjoying the luxury of a floating hotel. My hand-picked routes ensure you see the best of the Red Sea, from Ras Mohammed to the Straits of Tiran, with the Thistlegorm as our crowning jewel.