Diving the SS Thistlegorm – The World’s Most Iconic Wreck Dive
SS Thistlegorm Wreck, Red Sea
If you’re a passionate scuba diver with a sense of adventure and a love for history, then diving the SS Thistlegorm should be right at the top of your bucket list. Often described as the world’s most famous wreck dive, this legendary World War II shipwreck lies in the northern Red Sea and offers an unforgettable underwater experience filled with wartime artefacts, vibrant marine life, and a haunting yet fascinating glimpse into the past.
A Brief History of the SS Thistlegorm
The SS Thistlegorm was a British armed Merchant Navy ship built in 1940 by Joseph Thompson & Son in Sunderland, UK. She was one of a fleet of “Thistle” ships operated by the Albyn Line, and was tasked with transporting vital military supplies during World War II.
In 1941, the Thistlegorm set sail from Glasgow loaded with a cargo of wartime supplies bound for Allied forces in North Africa. Her cargo included:
- BSA motorcycles
- Bedford trucks
- Bren guns
- Aircraft parts
- Ammunition
- Wellington boots and more
Due to German forces occupying Mediterranean shipping lanes, the ship had to take the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope. Eventually, she arrived at Safe Anchorage F, just north of Ras Mohammed in the Egyptian Red Sea, where she was instructed to wait before transiting the Suez Canal.
How the SS Thistlegorm Was Sunk
On the night of 6th October 1941, while anchored off the Sinai Peninsula, the Thistlegorm was attacked by two German Heinkel He 111 bombers. One of the bombs struck the ship’s ammunition storage, triggering a massive explosion that ripped the vessel apart and sank it almost instantly.
Nine crew members and gunners tragically lost their lives. The remains of the ship and her cargo sank to the seabed at a depth of approximately 30 metres, where they remain today.
Rediscovery by Jacques Cousteau
The wreck remained largely forgotten until Jacques-Yves Cousteau famously rediscovered it during a Red Sea expedition in the early 1950s. Using information from local fishermen and early sonar equipment, Cousteau located and explored the wreck, even retrieving a motorcycle that was later featured in National Geographic.
Interestingly, Cousteau kept the wreck’s exact location a secret, and it wasn’t until the 1990s that recreational divers started visiting it regularly.
Why the SS Thistlegorm is a Must-Dive Site
The Thistlegorm isn’t just a dive – it’s a time capsule. Over 80 years later, much of the cargo remains remarkably intact, giving divers a surreal look into World War II history. Inside the holds, you can still see:
- Rows of motorbikes lined up like soldiers
- Trucks stacked with supplies
- Crates of ammunition and rifles
- Aircraft wings and propellers
- Helmets, boots, and even gas masks
The wreck itself is split into two main sections: the bow and stern, with the midship blast area largely destroyed. The superstructure and deck guns remain visible and are now encrusted in coral, attracting a wide variety of marine life.
Marine Life on the Wreck
Beyond the historical interest, the Thistlegorm is also teeming with marine biodiversity. Divers often encounter:
- Batfish
- Giant moray eels
- Lionfish
- Crocodilefish
- Nudibranchs
- Schools of snapper and barracuda
The ship’s structures have become an artificial reef, drawing in colourful soft corals and sponges that add vibrancy to the ghostly grey steel.
Who Can Dive the Thistlegorm?
Due to its depth, currents, and overhead environments, the SS Thistlegorm is not suitable for beginner divers. Divers wishing to explore this wreck should:
- Be Advanced Open Water certified (or equivalent)
- Have a minimum of 20 logged dives
- Be comfortable with wreck penetration and current diving
Nitrox is highly recommended to extend bottom time and reduce nitrogen exposure on repetitive dives.
Best Way to Dive the Thistlegorm
There are two primary ways to dive the Thistlegorm:
Day Trips from Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada – These are suitable if you’re short on time, but they involve early starts and long boat rides. Most offer 2 dives on the wreck.
Liveaboard Safaris – These trips offer multiple dives on the wreck and often include other famous Red Sea sites like Ras Mohammed and the Brothers Islands. Liveaboards allow early-morning dives before the day boats arrive.
Our Travel Team would be happy to put a holiday package together for you!
When is the Best Time to Dive the Thistlegorm?
The Red Sea offers year-round diving, but the best months for Thistlegorm are March to June and September to November, when water temperatures are pleasant (24–28°C) and visibility is generally excellent.
Top Tips for Diving the SS Thistlegorm
Consider a wreck specialty course: It will prepare you for safe penetration and proper techniques.
Use Nitrox: To maximise your bottom time on this multi-level dive.
Bring a torch: The interior holds are dark and filled with hidden treasures.
Hire a guide: Many dive centres offer guides with detailed knowledge of the wreck’s layout and history.
Watch your buoyancy: Silt can easily be kicked up, and many artefacts are fragile.
Dive the SS Thistlegorm with Oyster Diving
At Oyster Diving, we regularly organise Red Sea liveaboard holidays that include the SS Thistlegorm as one of the highlights. Our trips are led by experienced instructors and tailored for divers looking to explore world-class sites like this one in safety and comfort.
Whether you’re a seasoned wreck diver or just starting to explore the world of technical and historic diving, the Thistlegorm is one of those dives you’ll never forget.
Holidays We Offer Where You Can Dive The Thistlegorm
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