The SS Thistlegorm isn’t just a shipwreck; it’s a time capsule resting on the bed of the Red Sea. As one of the most famous and exhilarating wreck dives on the planet, it draws adventurers from every corner of the globe. But what makes this rusty relic so special? Let’s dive in.
A History Frozen in Time
Launched in 1940, the SS Thistlegorm was a British armed merchant navy ship. Its final mission was to supply Allied forces in North Africa during World War II. Laden with vital wartime cargo, it sailed in secret convoys.
On October 6, 1941, while anchored at what is now known as the Straits of Gubal, German Heinkel He 111 bombers found the Thistlegorm. Two direct hits on her stern caused her ammunition stores to explode, and she sank rapidly. There, 30 meters below the surface, she lay undiscovered for over a decade, her secrets preserved by the sea.
What Will You See on a Thistlegorm Dive? (The Highlights)
Diving the Thistlegorm is like walking through a history book. The wreck is massive (126 meters long) and incredibly intact. Here’s what you can’t miss:
- The Locomotives: One of the most iconic sights. Two steam locomotives lie on the bottom, as if waiting for a journey that never began.
- The Hold of Trucks: Peer into the holds and you’ll find Bedford trucks, Universal Carrier armoured vehicles, and motorcycles, all still lined up as they were on that fateful day.
- The Anti-Aircraft Gun: Positioned at the stern, this Bofors gun is a poignant reminder of the ship’s defensive capabilities.
- The Captain’s Bathroom: A more personal touch, where a porcelain bathtub sits silently amidst the wreckage.
- The Explosion Damage: The twisted metal of the stern tells the dramatic story of the Thistlegorm’s final moments.
How to Dive the SS Thistlegorm with Xplorer
The Thistlegorm is located in the Northern Red Sea, and the best way to experience it is from the deck of an Xplorer liveaboard. Our itineraries are specifically designed to give you multiple dives on the wreck, allowing you to fully absorb its immense scale and history.
- The Xplorer Liveaboard Advantage: Staying on an Xplorer boat means you’re on-site, ready for the best dive conditions. Our expert guides know the wreck intimately and will lead you to the most fascinating spots, sharing stories and ensuring your safety.
- For Recreational Divers: Due to its depth (the deck is at 16m, the seabed at 30m) and potential for strong currents, the Thistlegorm is recommended for Advanced Open Water Divers or confident Open Water divers with deep dive experience.
- For Tek Divers: Maximize Your Bottom Time
For certified technical divers, the Thistlegorm offers an unparalleled opportunity for extended exploration. By utilizing a staged decompression strategy, tek divers can significantly increase their bottom time. This allows for a more thorough penetration into the deeper holds, a leisurely exploration of the steam locomotives, and detailed photography in areas recreational divers can only glimpse. Xplorer welcomes tek diving groups and can support your advanced logistics to make this epic dive a reality.
Beyond the History: The Marine Life
The Thistlegorm isn’t just a historical site; it’s a thriving artificial reef. The wreck is encrusted with stunning soft corals and sea fans. It’s home to massive schools of snapper and soldierfish, resident lionfish, crocodilefish hiding in the shadows, and occasionally, turtles, reef sharks, and even the elusive Oceanic Whitetip.
Is the SS Thistlegorm on Your Bucket List?
Diving the Thistlegorm is more than a dive; it’s an experience that stays with you. It’s the feeling of floating over history, of witnessing the poignant intersection of human conflict and nature’s reclamation.
Ready to plan your adventure? Explore our dedicated Northern Red Sea itineraries aboard the Xplorer liveaboard and secure your spot on this legendary dive.
