Description

A Day Diving the Legendary SS Thistlegorm & Optional Third Dive: Exploring History and Marine Wonders of the Red Sea from Sharm El Sheikh

Before Your Dive: A Glimpse into the History of the SS Thistlegorm

The SS Thistlegorm was a British cargo steamship built in Sunderland, England, in 1940. In the tumultuous early years of World War II, she served as a defensively equipped merchant ship (DEMS), tasked with the vital role of transporting essential war supplies to the British Eighth Army in North Africa. On her fateful final voyage in 1941, the Thistlegorm was heavily laden with a diverse cargo destined to support the war effort. This included Bedford and Morris trucks, Universal Carrier armored vehicles (Bren Gun Carriers), Norton and BSA motorcycles, a vast quantity of Bren guns, rifles, and ammunition, radio equipment, aircraft spare parts, railway wagons, and even two LMS Stanier Class 8F steam locomotives. While anchored in a safe area near Sha’ab Ali, awaiting passage through the Suez Canal, the unarmed merchant vessel was tragically attacked and sunk by German Heinkel He 111 bombers on the night of October 5-6, 1941. The resulting explosion of ammunition onboard caused catastrophic damage, claiming the lives of nine crew members and sending the Thistlegorm and its valuable cargo to the seabed. Rediscovered by Jacques Cousteau in the mid-1950s and later becoming a world-renowned dive site in the 1990s, the SS Thistlegorm now stands as a poignant underwater museum, offering a unique and tangible connection to a pivotal period in history.

Your Day of Underwater Exploration:

Morning (Early Start & Boat Journey):

• Early Pickup: Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. Comfortable, air-conditioned transfers will take you to one of the main jetties, such as Sharm El Maya or another designated departure point.

• Boarding the Dive Boat: Upon arrival at the jetty, you’ll be greeted by the friendly and professional dive crew and board the well-equipped dive boat. Typically, these boats are spacious, offering shaded areas, sun decks, a dive platform, and essential facilities like toilets and showers.

• Briefing and Introductions: Once everyone is onboard, the dive guides will provide a comprehensive briefing for the day. This will include:

• Safety procedures: Emphasizing safe diving practices and emergency protocols.

• Itinerary for the day: Outlining the planned dives (including the potential third dive option), travel time to the Thistlegorm and the alternative third dive sites, and estimated return time.

• A reminder of the SS Thistlegorm’s history: Briefly reiterating the ship’s significance and the context of its sinking.

• Information about the potential third dive sites: A brief overview of either Shark & Yolanda Reef (known for its stunning coral, abundant fish life, and potential for shark sightings) or the Dunraven wreck (a 19th-century British steamer offering a different historical diving experience and unique marine inhabitants).

• Dive plan: Detailed information about the dive sites, anticipated depths, potential currents, and recommended dive profiles for the Thistlegorm and the potential third dive.

• Equipment check: Ensuring everyone has their necessary diving gear and assisting with any last-minute adjustments or rentals.

• Setting Sail: As the boat departs, enjoy the scenic views of the Red Sea coastline. The journey to the SS Thistlegorm typically takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the boat and sea conditions. This travel time offers a chance to relax on the sun deck, socialize with fellow divers, and prepare your equipment.

Mid-day (Diving the Legendary Wreck):

• First Dive (Exterior and Holds): Upon arrival at the Thistlegorm’s mooring point (or near it, depending on conditions), the dive guides will conduct a final briefing specific to the first dive. This often focuses on the exterior of the wreck, allowing you to get a sense of its size and the damage it sustained. You’ll likely explore areas like the stern section, the anti-aircraft gun emplacements, and potentially begin to penetrate some of the larger holds. Be prepared to witness the incredible array of wartime cargo:

• Trucks and Motorcycles: Rows of Bedford and Morris trucks, often with motorcycles still strapped inside.

• Armored Vehicles: Universal Carrier Bren Gun Carriers, offering a glimpse into the military hardware of the era.

• Railway Wagons: Remnants of railway rolling stock, a truly unique sight on a shipwreck.

• Surface Interval and Lunch: After the first dive, you’ll return to the boat for a well-deserved surface interval. A freshly prepared lunch is usually served onboard, offering a variety of dishes to replenish your energy. This is also a great time to discuss the first dive with your buddies and the guides, review photos, and get ready for the second dive. The decision regarding the optional third dive location will often be discussed during this time, taking into account weather conditions, sea state, and the preferences of the divers (if applicable).

• Second Dive (Deeper Penetration and Specific Cargo): The second dive often focuses on exploring different sections of the wreck, potentially including deeper penetrations into the holds or a closer look at specific items like:

• Steam Locomotives: The iconic LMS Stanier Class 8F steam locomotives located in the forward section.

• Weaponry and Ammunition: Carefully observing stacks of rifles, Bren guns, and (safely contained) ammunition.

• Aircraft Parts and Radio Equipment: Discovering remnants of the technological aspects of the war effort.

• Personal Supplies: Occasionally, you might spot remnants of the crew’s personal belongings, adding a poignant human element to the wreck.

• Marine Life Encounters: Throughout both dives, keep an eye out for the diverse marine life that has made the Thistlegorm its home. You might encounter large tuna, barracuda, groupers, batfish, nudibranchs, and various species of reef fish, all thriving amongst the historical artifacts.

Afternoon (Optional Third Dive & Return Journey):

• Decision on Third Dive: After the second dive and depending on weather conditions, sea state, time constraints, and the consensus of the divers, the dive guides will make a decision regarding the optional third dive.

• Optional Third Dive (Shark & Yolanda Reef OR Dunraven Wreck):

• Shark & Yolanda Reef: If this option is chosen, the boat will move to the Ras Muhammad National Park area. You’ll experience a drift dive along the stunning coral walls of Shark Reef, known for its vibrant colors and abundant fish life. You’ll then drift over to Yolanda Reef, famous for its scattered debris from a shipwreck, including toilets, bathtubs, and shipping containers, all now encrusted with coral and surrounded by marine life. There’s also a chance of encountering sharks in this area.

• Dunraven Wreck: If conditions favor this site, you’ll travel to the location of the Dunraven, a 19th-century British steamship that sank after hitting a reef. This wreck offers a different historical perspective and is home to unique marine life, including large groupers and scorpionfish often found within its structure. The Dunraven is also known for its interesting upside-down orientation on the seabed.

• Ascent and Safety Stop: Following the second (or third, if applicable) dive, you’ll perform the necessary safety stops before surfacing.

• Returning to the Boat: Once back onboard, the dive crew will assist with your equipment and ensure everyone is accounted for.

• Debriefing and Logbooks: During the return journey to Sharm El Sheikh, the dive guides will conduct a final debriefing, discussing the highlights of the dives and answering any questions. You’ll also have the opportunity to log your dives.

• Relaxation and Reflection: Enjoy the relaxing cruise back to shore, taking in the stunning Red Sea scenery and reflecting on the incredible experiences of the day.

• Transfer Back to Hotel: Upon arrival at the jetty, your transfer will be waiting to take you back to your hotel, leaving you with lasting memories of your underwater adventures through history and the vibrant reefs (or another fascinating wreck) of the Red Sea.

Important Considerations:

• Certification Level: Diving the SS Thistlegorm is generally recommended for Advanced Open Water certified divers or those with equivalent experience due to the depth and potential for currents. Some penetration dives may require specific wreck diving certifications. The optional third dive sites also have their own depth and current considerations.

• Dive Gear: You can either bring your own dive gear or rent it from the dive operator. Ensure all equipment is in good working order.

• Dive Computer: A dive computer is highly recommended for diving the Thistlegorm and the potential third dive sites due to their depth profiles.

• Respect the Wrecks and Reefs: It’s crucial to remember that the SS Thistlegorm and the Dunraven are historical sites and potential war graves. Divers are expected to be respectful and avoid touching or removing anything. Similarly, respect the delicate coral ecosystems of Shark & Yolanda Reef.

• Marine Life Interaction: Observe marine life from a distance and avoid any interaction that could disturb their natural behavior.

• Third Dive Decision: The decision to proceed with the third dive and the choice of location ultimately rests with the dive guides, prioritizing safety and considering the conditions and the group’s experience level. There is no guarantee that the third dive will be possible on any given day.