SS Thistlegorm
The SS Thistlegorm, a British armed merchant ship, met its tragic end on October 6, 1941, during World War II when it was bombed by German aircraft in the Red Sea near Egypt.
Laden with a valuable cargo intended to support Allied forces in North Africa, the ship now rests on the seabed, serving as an underwater time capsule. Divers from around the world are drawn to this iconic wreck, exploring its well-preserved cargo holds filled with motorcycles, trucks, and wartime relics, while also admiring the thriving marine life that has made the Thistlegorm its home.
Depth (m)
25 - 35Type
British armed merchant shipLength (m)
126.55Beam (m)
17.74Weight (tn)
5,081Date Sank
06/10/1941History of SS Thistlegorm
The SS Thistlegorm was a British armed merchant ship built in 1940 by Joseph Thompson & Sons in Sunderland, England. The ship was part of the British merchant fleet during World War II, intended to transport military supplies across the seas. Thistlegorm, a name derived from Scottish Gaelic meaning “Blue Thistle,” became famous not only for its role during the war but also for its eventual fate and subsequent rediscovery.
On its fourth and final voyage in 1941, SS Thistlegorm was loaded with a cargo that included ammunition, rifles, vehicles, motorcycles, aircraft parts, and other wartime supplies. The ship was en route from Glasgow to Alexandria, Egypt, via the Cape of Good Hope, avoiding the more dangerous Mediterranean route due to the heavy presence of Axis forces. After successfully navigating the long journey, the Thistlegorm anchored in the Red Sea near the Straits of Gubal, waiting for clearance to proceed through the Suez Canal.
On the night of October 6, 1941, the SS Thistlegorm was attacked by German bombers. Two bombs hit the ship, igniting the ammunition and causing a massive explosion. The blast tore the ship apart, and it sank quickly, taking nine crew members with it. The wreck of the Thistlegorm lay undisturbed until it was rediscovered by Jacques Cousteau in the early 1950s.
Today, the SS Thistlegorm is one of the most famous dive sites in the world, lying at a depth of about 30 meters. Divers are attracted to the wreck by the opportunity to see the well-preserved cargo, which offers a unique underwater museum of World War II military artifacts. The Thistlegorm’s story is a poignant reminder of the perils faced by merchant seamen during the war and the enduring allure of underwater exploration.
Travel / Parking information for SS Thistlegorm
