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Thistlegorm
Located in: Africa >> Egypt >> Sharm El Sheikh
This wreck dive has an almost legendary status. The site is suitable for all but the most inexperienced of divers in calm conditions, but the level of expertise required increases as conditions deteriorate, and they do so regularly.
The Thisltegorm lies at 30m, her largely intact forward section sitting almost upright on the sandy bottom. The midsection was the epicentre of the blast that sunk the Thistlegorm and it is badly damaged. The stern section, its huge propeller clearly visible, boasts crew quarters, the main anti-aircraft gun and a 39-mm gun on deck. Off the port side of the ship, a railway locomotive lies at 33m, thrown from its place on deck as the ship sank.
The Thistlegorm was an army supply ship and the wreck is like a gigantic, submerged army surplus store. But there are strict penalities for wreck-stripping, so do not help yourself to souvenirs.
Among other attractions, you can visit the captains bathroom, where tubeworms grow from the silt-filled bathtub like flowers in a window box. The site is fairly well colonized by fish and corals, including lots of big jacks, big schools of snapper, bannerfish and huge grouper. There is quite a bit of soft coral growth throughout.
Dives generally begin at the bow deck, where downlines will be secured. Descents and ascents should always be made along the line to avoid being swept off by frequently tricky currents.
Stunning wreck, but you can pretty much guarantee that there will be a strong current on at least one of your dives. The depth as well (with it being a relatively square profile) means that inexperienced divers are more likely to encounter problems with their air consumption.
As for the dive, well, heaving with fish would be the main thing, as well as all the historical stuff which even though much has been stolen, is still strewn all over the wreck.
The authorities have put some fixed moorings in place in an attempt to slow down the damage to the wreck itself. I think there were a few teething problems when I went there, but these are being looked into at the moment. Date posted: 24-Mar-2008 11:55 by: girlieD who thought that:
Only experienced wreck divers should attempt this.
Ranked it as:
Great wreck to dive though be careful as currents can be very strong. Dived the wreck in October with Emperor Divers, Penny the guide was very good and experienced took us through the holds and up into the Captains quarters. I would reccomend always dive with an experienced guide. Wreck was full of fish and saw the largest Moray eel ever. As previously mentioned needs at least 3 trips to see all of the wreck Date posted: 03-Nov-2007 11:01 by: Gary Fowler who thought that:
Anyone can dive this wreck.
Ranked it as:
Made 2 dives in November 2006 - only 5 in our group & the other boats around had completed their dives so we had the wreck to ourselves - awesome Date posted: 22-Feb-2007 17:25 by: Sean_M who thought that:
Anyone can dive this wreck.
Ranked it as:
Simply the best. a moving experience Date posted: 30-Jan-2007 19:51 by: nightmair who thought that:
Only experienced wreck divers should attempt this.
Ranked it as:
great dive only 8 divers at site both dives, vis was good and current no problem, would not like to do it when 5-6 boats on Date posted: 07-Jan-2007 13:25 by: keitht who thought that:
Only experienced wreck divers should attempt this.
Ranked it as:
Anyone CAN dive it in the right conditions, but currents can be and frequently are quite strong, making it rather more tricky. Do it by liveaboard - avoid the worst of the crowds! Date posted: 03-Jan-2007 23:03 by: Owen who thought that:
Anyone can dive this wreck.
Ranked it as:
Great big wreck, cargo holds are rather spoilt by so many divers stealing souveniers, there are no handlebars left on any of the bikes! Date posted: 21-Dec-2006 13:54 by: pete who thought that:
Anyone can dive this wreck.
Ranked it as:
I say 'advanced wreck divers only' because of the unpredictable currents. I did 2 dives with Emperor Divers out of Sharm, in October 2006, arrived late due to missing kit, had to dovetail with the other 8 or so boats already there, and the current was strong. Having said that the wreck is fascinating, you can penetrate with a knowledgeable guide but Do, DO watch your air. My buddy didn't, went OOA during the safety stop, and ruined his day as he went straight to the surface with no attempt to let me know, use my octopus or the hang bottle!! Current meant it was murky, but the history is laid out before you, and the fish are larger than you'd expect. Date posted: 13-Nov-2006 19:35 by: Pete who thought that:
Only experienced wreck divers should attempt this.
Ranked it as:
I would add the caveat that current and sheer numbers of divers can be a complicating factor on this wreck. That said I have never had the same sense of history from any other. It is also worth noting that this can be a fantastic wildlife dive - we saw an enormous shoal of Barracuda hanging out in the current. Date posted: 27-Oct-2006 16:09 by: Norm D. Plume who thought that:
Anyone can dive this wreck.
Ranked it as:
its classification changes with the current as has been mentioned in previous reviews,but with a good guide this is a must for all divers going to the red sea. Visit it soon because it is deteriorating and eventually the tourist industry is going to have to find a replacement for this dive Date posted: 22-Oct-2006 13:36 by: devilgasguzzler who thought that:
Anyone can dive this wreck.
Ranked it as:
Have you dived on the above wreck? If so, please let other divers
know what you think...