The most famous wreck in the Red Sea
SS Thistlegorm
A British WWII cargo ship sunk in 1941, loaded with trucks, motorcycles, rifles and locomotives. Most divers rank it in the world’s top ten.
The story
History written in coral
The SS Thistlegorm was a 128-metre British armed merchant ship built in 1940. In October 1941 she was anchored near Ras Muhammad, loaded with war supplies for the Allied forces in North Africa: Bedford trucks, BSA and Norton motorcycles, Bren carriers, rifles, ammunition, aircraft parts and two steam locomotives.
In the early hours of 6 October 1941, German bombers found her. Two bombs tore open hold No. 4 and the ship sank within minutes, taking nine sailors with her. She rested quietly at 30 metres until Jacques-Yves Cousteau located her in 1955. After being rediscovered in the early 1990s she became the most celebrated wreck dive on earth.
Today you swim through cargo holds still stacked with motorcycles and trucks, past the captain’s cabin, the huge anti-aircraft guns and the locomotives thrown clear of the deck. Schools of batfish, barracuda and giant trevally patrol the wreck. It is a living museum, and one of the best diving days you will ever have.
History & key dates
1940
Built in Sunderland, England, as an armed British merchant ship.
September 1941
Loaded with war supplies (trucks, motorcycles, rifles and two locomotives) and sent around Africa toward Egypt.
6 October 1941
Sunk by German bombers near Ras Muhammad. Nine sailors lost their lives.
1955
Located on the seabed by Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
Early 1990s
Rediscovered by divers and became the most famous wreck dive in the world.
Dive highlights
- WWII trucks & motorcycles in the cargo holds
- Two steam locomotives on the seabed
- Anti-aircraft guns on the stern
- Huge schools of batfish & barracuda
- 2 guided dives on the wreck
From the wreck
SS Thistlegorm facts
- Built
- 1940, Sunderland UK
- Sunk
- 6 October 1941
- Ship
- 128 m cargo ship
- Depth
- 16 - 32 m
- Level
- Advanced / 30+ logged dives
- Location
- Sha’ab Ali, Strait of Gubal
- Getting there
- ~3 h from Hurghada (early start)
Ready to dive today?
The water is 28°C, the visibility is over 30 m, and a boat with your name on it leaves tomorrow at 8 AM.