SS Thistlegorm Wreck
SS Thistlegorm
A British merchant ship bombed and sunk during World War II. Its holds still contain motorcycles, trucks, a locomotive and ammunition, and it is considered one of the world’s best wreck dive sites.
The SS Thistlegorm was a British armed merchant ship. In October 1941, while anchored in the Gulf of Subal awaiting passage through the Suez Canal, it was hit by bombs dropped from German bombers, and the explosion of its ammunition hold sank it. The hull is about 126 meters long and rests on the seabed at a depth of about 30 meters, with the deck at about 16–18 meters. Its holds still hold neatly arranged rows of BSA motorcycles, Bedford trucks, boots, rifles and aircraft parts that were meant for British forces in North Africa, and locomotive tender parts lie scattered beside the deck. The wreck was discovered in the 1950s by the French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau and is now the most famous wreck dive site in the Red Sea. Generally, an Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification or higher is required, and prior wreck diving experience is recommended. Because of currents and changing visibility, always dive with a certified guide, never enter enclosed compartments and never take anything from the wreck. The dive boat trip from Hurghada takes about 3 hours and requires a pre-dawn departure. From Sharm El Sheikh it takes about 2.5 hours, and you can also book a northern liveaboard itinerary. Boats usually schedule two dives. Dive fees, national park fees and equipment rental are charged separately.
Opening hours
Depends on dive boat schedules (usually departs early morning)
Nearby sights
- Ras Mohammed National Park
- Sharm Old Market
- Al Sahaba Mosque
- Heavenly Cathedral
- Ras Um Sid & Farsha Café
- Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh
- Sharks Bay
- SOHO Square