Diver Profile

Set your preferences and we'll automatically highlight the destinations and sites that match your profile across the site.

12mAny Depth60m+
Dive Site Guide Prefilled Directory Site

SS Thistlegorm

A British armed merchant navy ship sunk in 1941. One of the most famous wreck dives in the world, filled with WWII cargo.

Max Depth: 30m Location: Straits of Gubal, Northern Red Sea (Hurghada & Sharm El-Sheikh Departures)<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="1em" height="1em" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="inline-icon"><polygon points="13 2 3 14 12 14 11 22 21 10 12 10 13 2"></polygon></svg> Level: AdvancedVisibility: 15-25mWater Temp: 22-28°C

Overview

The SS Thistlegorm is arguably the most famous wreck dive in the world. Sunk by German bombers in 1941, it sits upright on the seabed at 30 meters.

What you’ll see

The cargo holds are a time capsule of WWII history, packed with:

  • Bedford trucks
  • Norton 16H and BSA motorcycles
  • Bren Gun carriers
  • Aircraft parts and radio equipment

The Dive Experience

Because the wreck is in open water, there can be strong currents. Divers use mooring lines to descend directly onto the wreck. You need your Advanced Open Water certification to comfortably dive the main decks and cargo holds due to the 30m depth.

Getting There

Most divers visit the Thistlegorm via a Liveaboard departing from Hurghada or Sharm El-Sheikh, though extremely long day trips are possible from Sharm.

Marine Life to Spot at SS Thistlegorm

  • Batfish
  • Crocodilefish
  • Trevallies