|
HMS Thistlegorm
 27°42’00"N; 34°05’00"E, Egypt
|
Max Depth: 101-110ft/31-34m
Average Viz: 61-70ft/19-21m
Entry Type: Boat
Bottom Composition: Sand
Aquatic Life: Plenty To See
|
|
|
|
|
The Thistlegorm was discovered in 1956 by Jacques Cousteau and is probably the most famous wreck in the world. It sank in 1941 when it was hit by a German bomb that blew a hole in the port side, igniting tank ammunition that was in the hold. The explosion ripped the roof of the ship backwards, rather like opening a tin of sardines. The stern section of the wreck lies almost horizontal to the sea bed; the remainder of the wreck is nearly upright. Inside the wreckage, tyres, tanks, motorbikes, Bedford trucks, waders and wellington boots can be seen. Penetration is possible around the bridge and blast area. The large prop is still in position and the guns on the stern are in excellent condition. Artillery litters the blast area. A bath tub can be seen towards the bow and a toilet near the stern. The sea life is impressive with possibility of seeing tuna overhead the resident turtle. Expect this to be very busy, especially once the day boats have reached it; it is likely to be chaos both on the surface and under the water.
From SportDiver Planet’s 50 Greatest Dives, #47, A British Merchant Navy ship sunk in 1941, Thistlegorm is one of the most popular sites in the world, visited by hundreds of divers each day. Thistlegorm is most comfortably reached by live-aboard, but day trips run from Sharm El Sheikh. The wreck sits upright at 100 feet on the bottom, with the top at only 40 feet. The real attraction is the wreck’s cargo, which gives a fascinating glimpse of the machinery of war. There are trucks, Jeeps and motorbikes, two locomotives and equipment, including boxes of rifles and rubber boots. Currents can be strong, but inside the holds it’s completely sheltered. For many, Thistlegorm is a poignant dive, a reminder of lives lost during the war. — AM
http://www.sportdiver.com/photos/planets-50-greatest-dives?cmpid=enews011713&PodID=030&spMailingID=14460532&spUserID=NzY5MDMwNzA0OQS2&spJobID=210377095&spReportId=MjEwMzc3MDk1S0