|
Thiorva Wreck
N 25° 17.012’ W 080° 12.458’, Key Largo, FL
Max Depth: 11-15ft/3-5m
Average Viz: 61-70ft/19-21m
Entry Type: Boat
Bottom Composition: Sand
Aquatic Life: Plenty To See
|
|
|
|
|
Thiorva Wreck is a boat accessible salt water dive site, located at N 25° 17.012’ W 080° 12.458’, Key Largo, FL. The maximum depth is 11-15ft/3-5m. The average visibility is 61-70ft/19-21m.
The SS Thistlegorm is a legendary World War II shipwreck in the Red Sea, considered by many to be among the most impressive wreck dives globally. It was a British merchant navy ship sunk by German aircraft in 1941 while carrying military supplies, including vehicles, arms, and equipment, to Allied forces in North Africa. Thistlegorm is located in the Straits of Gubal, a narrow passage connecting the Gulf of Suez and the Red Sea, near the Ras Mohammed National Park, according to Scuba Diving Magazine., according to Discoveny
The wreck lies in roughly 30 meters of water, with the shallowest parts reaching 16 meters and the deepest, the propeller, at around 32 meters.
Generally good, ranging from 30 to 90 feet, but can be affected by stirred-up silt from other divers or unfavorable weather.
Strong currents are common, requiring divers to use a rope for descent and ascent.
Ranges from as low as 68°F in winter to the low 80s in summer.
As it’s a popular dive site, it can be crowded, especially with day trippers from Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada. Liveaboard trips offer the advantage of early morning or late evening dives, avoiding the busiest times.
While the primary attraction is the historical cargo, the wreck also hosts a variety of marine life. Divers might encounter schooling batfish, barracuda, snappers, jacks, and even a resident hawksbill turtle or colorful nudibranchs. The exterior of the wreck is also slowly being covered by a vibrant growth of hard and soft corals.
The SS Thistlegorm is considered an advanced dive due to its depth and the presence of currents. Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent) is recommended, along with experience diving in currents. Penetration dives into the cargo holds are possible, but require specialized wreck diving training and an experienced guide due to the overhead environment and potential for silt-outs.
While diving is possible year-round, the shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November) offer the best combination of warm water, good visibility, and fewer crowds.
The Thistlegorm is accessible via day trips from Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada (a 2-4 hour boat ride) or as part of a liveaboard itinerary. Day trips typically include two dives on the wreck, while liveaboards offer multiple dives, including the possibility of a night dive.