SS THISTLEGORM, be on the lookout for a distinctive cargo, which includes Bedford trucks, motorcycles, scorpionfish, batfish, and barracuda during the dive at SS Thistlegorm. However, note that this dive requires prior experience with depth due to challenging conditions, including strong currents and unclear surfaces in the holds, adding complexity to the planning.
For those entering Egypt via Sharm el Sheikh, a $25USD visa is required to dive the Thistlegorm, contrasting with the free entry stamp issued to tourists.
The SS Thistlegorm, a British armed freighter, met its tragic end in 1941 during World War II. Commissioned in 1940, it played a vital role in transporting ammunition, weaponry, vehicles, and railway wagons for Allied forces in Egypt and North Africa. Sunk by German bombers in the Red Sea, it remained undiscovered until Jacques-Yves Cousteau found it in the 1950s.
While the Thistlegorm is a highlight dive from both Hurghada and Sharm el Sheik, it requires a long day with approximately 3 hours of travel. Opting for a liveaboard allows for early arrival, enabling exploration of the wreck before day boats arrive. Night dives add an extra dimension to the experience, making it the most atmospheric way to appreciate this stunning wreck.
The dive ranges from 16 to 32 meters, with the deepest point being the propeller. Strong currents around the wreck may make safety stops challenging. The holds offer glimpses of Bedford trucks, BSA motorcycles, parked Jeeps, and stacks of ammunition and supplies. The exterior, adorned with soft and hard corals, hosts nudibranchs and small fish. Time and currents permitting, swimming away from the wreck provides a captivating distant view.