Diving the SS Thistlegorm: The Red Sea's Most Famous Wreck

Descend into history. Discover why the SS Thistlegorm is considered the best wreck dive in the world, with its cargo of WWII motorcycles and trucks.

Diving the SS Thistlegorm: The Red Sea's Most Famous Wreck

There are thousands of shipwrecks in the world's oceans, but if you ask a room full of divers to name the absolute best, the majority will say the SS Thistlegorm.

Sunk during World War II in the Strait of Gubal, this 126-meter British merchant navy ship is more than just a wreck; it is a time capsule. It wasn't carrying coal or grain when it went down—it was carrying a full cargo of military supplies intended for the British Eighth Army in North Africa.

Today, it rests at a maximum depth of 32 meters, and for many, it is the primary reason for a scuba diving trip to Sharm El-Sheikh.

The History: Sunk by the Luftwaffe

In October 1941, the SS Thistlegorm was at anchor in 'Safe Anchorage F,' waiting to pass through the Suez Canal. On the night of October 6th, two German Heinkel He-111 bombers, searching for a large troop carrier, spotted the ship.

They dropped two bombs that hit the aft (stern) hold, which was full of ammunition. The resulting explosion was catastrophic, literally blowing the stern off the ship and causing her to sink almost instantly. Nine crew members lost their lives. The wreck lay forgotten until it was discovered by Jacques Cousteau in the 1950s using local fishermen's accounts.

What You Will See: An Underwater Museum

The reason the Thistlegorm is world-famous isn't the ship itself; it's the cargo. Because the ship was sunk while carrying supplies, its holds are still packed with WWII machinery.

As you swim through the holds, you will see:

• BSA and Norton Motorcycles: Dozens of bikes still lined up in rows, their rubber tires still visible.
• Bedford Trucks: Dozens of trucks, some still holding crates of supplies.
• Sten Guns and Rifles: Boxes of ammunition and weaponry.
• Locomotives: Two massive LMS Stanier Class 8F steam engines were being carried on the deck. When the ship exploded, they were thrown from the deck and now lie in the sand on either side of the wreck.
• Armoured Vehicles: Universal Carriers (Bren Carriers) stacked in the holds.

The Dive Profile: Depth and Conditions

• Depth: The wreck sits on a sandy bottom at 32 meters (105 feet). The shallowest part of the wreck is the bridge at about 15-18 meters.
• Certification: Because of the depth and the frequently strong currents, this is an Advanced only dive. You should be an Advanced Open Water Diver or higher to visit.
• Currents: The Strait of Gubal is famous for its strong, tidal currents. It is virtually always dived from a fixed mooring line. Reaching the line through a surface current can be an adventure in itself.
• Visibility: Generally good, ranging from 15 to 25 meters.

Logistics: How to Get There

Most divers visit from Sharm El-Sheikh via early-morning day trips.

• The Schedule: Expect a very early start (around 4:00 AM or 5:00 AM). The boat ride to the middle of the Strait of Gubal takes 3 to 4 hours. You usually do two dives on the wreck (one overview, one penetration into the holds) and return to Sharm by late afternoon.
• Liveaboards: Many divers prefer to see the Thistlegorm as part of a liveaboard trip. This allows you to dive the site at sunrise or stay overnight for an incredible night dive on the wreck, away from the crowds of the day boats.

Important Safety and Conservation

The Thistlegorm is a war grave and should be treated with utmost respect.

• Penetration: While you can swim through the wide-open holds, further penetration into tight spaces is reserved for those with wreck training.
• No Touching: Do not touch or attempt to remove anything from the wreck. The artifacts are slowly being claimed by the sea, but their historical value rests in them staying where they are.

Final Thoughts

Diving the SS Thistlegorm is a profound experience that combines the thrill of wreck technology with the weight of history. Swapping the vibrant colors of a reef for the grey, haunting silhouettes of WWII motorcycles is a shift that every diver remembers forever. It remains, without question, the pinnacle of wreck diving.