The SS Thistlegorm, one of the most legendary shipwrecks in the Red Sea, is a popular diving site for enthusiasts of this sport from around the world. Sunk in 1941 during World War II, this British cargo ship now rests on the seabed, where its cargo and remains constitute a fascinating underwater museum. Diving around the SS Thistlegorm is not just an opportunity to explore the remains of a ship that witnessed a crucial period in modern history, but also to discover the vibrant marine life that has colonised the ship for more than eight decades. This steel giant, located near the Strait of Gubal, has captivated divers of all levels, who are drawn by its historical significance and stunning underwater.
History of the Thistlegorm: a forgotten chapter of World War II
The SS Thistlegorm, built in 1940 in the United Kingdom, was a cargo ship constructed to serve the Allied troops during World War II. With a tonnage of over 9,000 tons, this vessel was equipped to carry a wide variety of supplies, ranging from trucks and motorcycles to munitions and weaponry. On its final voyage, the SS Thistlegorm departed from the Scottish city of Glasgow for Alexandria, Egypt, loaded with essential military equipment intended for British troops in North Africa.
However, on the night of 6 October 1941, the SS Thistlegorm’s fate took a tragic turn. While anchored in the Strait of Gubal, the ship was attacked by German aircraft that dropped bombs on the ship, thinking it was a military target. Two devastating explosions ripped through the hull and ignited the munitions cargo, sinking the ship within minutes. Nine crew members lost their lives, while the rest managed to escape in lifeboats.
After the wreck, the SS Thistlegorm remained untouched until 1955, when renowned underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau discovered its remains. However, it would take several decades for the site to gain popularity among recreational divers, eventually becoming one of the world’s most iconic diving destinations.
Diving around the SS Thistlegorm: an unforgettable underwater experience
Diving around the SS Thistlegorm is a unique experience which combines the thrill of exploring a historic shipwreck with an opportunity to discover the rich marine life of the Red Sea. Resting at a depth of just 15-30 meters below sea level, the ship is accessible to divers of different experience levels. However, an advanced certification is recommended due to the currents affect this part of the Red Sea.
The dive site is divided into two main areas: the exterior of the ship, where you can appreciate the damage inflicted on the ship by the German bombs; and the interior, which holds a remarkable inventory of wartime supplies. Diving among the remains of the SS Thistlegorm is like travelling back in time, as you’ll find intact Bedford trucks, BSA motorcycles, train carriages and even Spitfire fighter planes—as if the clocks had stopped ticking in 1941.
Besides its historical significance, the SS Thistlegorm also opens the door to an underwater kingdom that is teeming with marine life. The ship’s structures have transformed into an artificial reef, attracting a plethora of marine species from barracudas and moray eels to turtles and lionfish. The crystalline waters of the Red Sea and its abundant marine biodiversity make each dive to the SS Thistlegorm a unique adventure.
What you can see in this underwater time capsule
The SS Thistlegorm is a genuine time capsule, offering divers the golden opportunity to get up close and personal with the remains of a World War II cargo ship. The severe impact of the German bombs can be clearly seen on the outside of the ship, especially in the stern section, where explosions ripped through its metal casing.
However, it is the inside of the vessel that truly captivates divers from around the world. The two levels of the hold are still stacked with military supplies, many of which are surprisingly well-preserved after more than eight decades underwater. Some of the standout finds are the BSA motorcycles, lined up in perfect order as if they are waiting to be transported to the frontline. You can also find Bedford trucks, spare tires and boxes of ammunition in the silent, eerie atmosphere that engulfs this iconic wreck.
Besides the military equipment, the SS Thistlegorm also holds remnants of the crew’s personal belongings, adding a human dimension to the experience. Divers can find everything from bottles of wine to shoes and cooking utensils, telling the story not only of a wartime mission but also of lives cut short in a fateful attack.
Other wrecks to explore besides the SS Thistlegorm
The Red Sea is regarded as one of the most impressive diving destinations in the world, not only because of its impressive marine life but also due to the number of shipwrecks that lie in its depths. In addition to the SS Thistlegorm, these waters are home to several other wrecks that are worthy of exploring.
One of the closest wrecks is the SS Dunraven, a British merchant ship that sank in 1876. It is located at the southern edge of Sha’ab Mahmoud, also known as Beacon Rock, about an hour’s boat ride from Ras Mohammed. Although older than the SS Thistlegorm, the SS Dunraven offers an equally fascinating diving experience, with a coral-covered hull and a rich marine biodiversity. Its holds are open and accessible, allowing divers to swim through the ship’s remains and admire the marine life that has settled there.
Another notable wreck is the Salem Express, an Egyptian ferry that sank in 1991. 470 people sadly died in the incident, making it one of the most tragic losses of life in these waters. It lies on the Hyndman Reef, resting on a sandy bottom located 30 meters below sea level. While some consider diving around the Salem Express to be controversial due to the deaths that occurred during its last outing, those who choose to do so find a relatively intact ship with interesting details that tell the fascinating story of its last, unfortunate voyage.
