A short distance from Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada, lying on the bottom of the Red Sea, lies the SS Thistlegorm ship, probably the world’s most famous wreck, sunk during World War II. The SS Thistlegorm was a massive British bastion, employed to supply weapons, vehicles, and provisions to the Queen’s army stationed in Egypt, at that time an important Crown colony. . On October 6, 1941, while anchored near the Gubal Strait in the Red Sea, she was hit by German bombers and sank. The ship was carrying a varied military cargo destined for British troops in North Africa, including war equipment, vehicles and supplies. After nearly 83 years, the SS Thistlegorm is still resting on the bottom of the Red Sea, by now it has become an iconic wreck, famous among Wreck Diving enthusiasts from all over the world and one of the attractions for tourists vacationing in Sharm el-Sheikh.
SS Thistlegorm Treasure
As mentioned, the SS Thistlegorm was a massive British bastion dedicated to transporting weapons; on the day it was sunk by fast German bombers it was loaded like an egg, ready to supply the British army in East Africa. It carried two steam locomotives destined for the Egyptian railway, some de Havilland DH.82 aircraft Tiger Moth, for pilot training, several Bedford and Ford trucks, BSA and Norton motorcycles, many still lined up inside the hold, spare parts for various aircraft models, fuel, ammunition, and a quantity of rubber boots.
Today, the precious cargo of the SS Thistlegorm is still there, 30 meters deep in the Red Sea, admired daily by a large number of diving and Wreck Diving enthusiasts who reach the Sinai Peninsula for a memorable underwater excursion amidst relics of military history and the incredible biodiversity that has since proliferated in the wreck. The wrecks of sunken ships almost always become ideal artificial habitats for life for a wide range of marine species: from corals, crustaceans, and reef fish to groupers, octopuses, and sharks, which are becoming a tourist attraction in these places .
The wreck of the SS Thistlegorm is just that, an incredible man-made habitat inhabited by countless sea creatures, living and moving among disused war relics. It is difficult to explain such a strange environment to those who have not been fortunate enough to see it.
- Please note: accessible to divers with entry-level certifications
Wreck Diving in the discovery of wrecks
Wreck diving is a form of scuba diving that involves exploring ships, airplanes or other submerged structures. It is a popular activity among divers because of the combination of history, adventure, and marine biodiversity it offers. Most of the wrecks explored are ships sunk for various reasons, such as accidents, naval battles or storms. Or planes shot down or crashed at sea that offer a unique perspective on aviation history.
Most Famous Wrecks for Wreck Diving
- SS Thistlegorm (Red Sea, Egypt)
- Well-preserved military cargo and abundant marine life.
- USAT Liberty (Bali, Indonesia)
- Accessible and rich in corals and tropical fish.
- SS Yongala (Queensland, Australia)
- Considered one of the best wrecks in the world, with incredible biodiversity.
- Truk Lagoon (Micronesia)
- More than 60 ship and aircraft wrecks from World War II transformed into vibrant ecosystems.
How to Reach the SS Thistlegorm Wreck
SS Thistlegorm is located in the Red Sea, near the coast of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. Most divers depart from Sharm El Sheikh, one of the Red Sea’s most popular tourist locations, offering easy and convenient access to the wreck site. There are several tour packages for guided tours and diving excursions in the company of experienced guides.
Liveaboard (Underwater Cruise). Liveaboard cruises are a popular option for divers who wish to explore multiple dive sites in the Red Sea. These cruises offer opportunities for multiple dives on the Thistlegorm, as well as on other famous dive sites.
While diving in the Thistlegorm, you can explore various parts of the wreck, including the deck, cargo holds, and locomotives on the seafloor. Abundant marine life and historical artifacts make this a unique and unforgettable underwater experience.
Are you interested in travel to Egypt? Also read our article on Nile Cruises !
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