THISTLEGORM Dive Site | Finest Dive site

The SS Thistlegorm was built in 1940 in England by Thomson & Sons. It measures 131 meters long and 17.5 meters wide.
Coming from Cape Town, loaded with war material (ammunition, mines, locomotives, tank cars, motorbikes, boots, medicine, etc.) to supply the British troops in North Africa.

History of the THISTLEGORM

German bombers coming from Crete on October 6, 1941, attacked it, and the bombs hit the aft hold.
The remains of this tremendous explosion can still be seen; it has become the area’s most sought-after wreck.

The Thistlegorm was designed to convey repaired war supplies for British troops. It had left the port of Glasgow in May 1941 with a crew of 39 men.

Scotland, with a cargo of munitions; bombs of various types; anti-tank mines; Lee Enfield MKIII rifles; a hundred BSA motorcycles (BSA W-M20, Matchless G3L, and Norton 16H); Bedford, Morris, and Ford trucks; two light Bren Carrier Mk tanks; two steam shunter 8F locomotives complete with two coal tenders and water tankers required for travel in desert zones; transport trucks; portable field generators; and spare parts for the shipment, was bound for the British 8th Army, which was stationed in Egypt.

Diving the THISTLEGORM Wreck

Today, the Thistlegorm is a popular dive site for its well-preserved wreck and abundant marine life that has made it its home.
Divers can explore the ship’s cargo holds and see the remains of trucks, motorcycles, and other equipment.

Planning Your Dive

To dive the Thistlegorm, you will need to be an experienced diver with a certification level of at least Advanced Open Water.
The dive site can be reached by boat from several ports in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Here are the steps to dive into the Thistlegorm:

1. Get certified: To dive the Thistlegorm, you will need to be an experienced diver with a certification level of at least Advanced Open Water.
2. Choose a dive operator: Research and choose a reputable dive operator that offers trips to the Thistlegorm. Make sure they have a good safety record and experienced guides.
3. Book your trip: Book your trip with the chosen dive operator. Make sure to confirm the dates, times, and any other details.
4. Prepare your gear: Make sure you have all the necessary gear for the dive, including a wetsuit, fins, mask, regulator, and BCD. If you don’t have your gear, you can usually rent it from the dive operator.
5. Attend the dive briefing: Before the dive, attend the dive briefing given by the dive operator. They will provide important information about the dive site, safety procedures, and what to expect during the dive.
6. Dive the Thistlegorm: Follow the instructions of your guide and enjoy exploring the wreck of the Thistlegorm.

 

Thistlegorm wreck Dive site Sharm el Sheikh

Thistlegorm is the name given to a shallow reef marked by a small metal lighthouse.

Shag Rock is situated about a mile south of Sha’ab Ali and 6 miles away from the wreck.

British cargo ship called Kingston

On its southeastern side,
On a big sandy seabed at 15 m, there is a small wreck lying in a south-north direction with its bow stranded on the reef.
It is another British cargo ship called Kingston, which sank in February 1881.
The exploration of the ship starts at the stern, at 15 meters, where the still-intact propeller can be observed.

The route continues into the inside of the hull, easily accessible, as the wooden bridge is no longer there, and the area is well illuminated by sunlight.

The remains of the engine room with the boiler are still nicely visible, whereas the area situated at 4 meters is destroyed.
To the right of the wreck, you can see the remains of the mast resting on the seabed. The fauna here is particularly interesting and comprises surgeonfish, rabbitfish, and nudibranchs. From here, you can continue the dive either to the east or west to explore the reef, which is populated by rich fauna represented by jackfish, groupers, snappers, turtles, whitetip reef sharks, or eagle rays. Schools of dolphins are regularly spotted in this area.