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| VIPONE ITINERARY / Thistlegorm |
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TThe Thistlegorm was built in 1940 as a merchant vessel. She was 126m long and 17.5m wide and was commandeered by the navy during the World War II. In October 1941 the vessel had made its way round Africa and into the Red Sea on route to Lybia, with a cargo intended for British troops stationed there. She anchored on the holding area, safe anchorage F, with the intention of moving towards the Suez Canal.
In the early hours of the 6th October two German bombers from Crete found her. The bombs landed in number four hold, which contained ammunition, ripping the stern section off and folding some of the deck back on itself. The ship went down and landed upright |
The wreck was first dived by Cousteau in the 50’s. However its position was not rediscovered until the early 90’s. Since then it has become one of the most soughtafter wrecks to dive. The holds are open and easily accessed showing the full range of cargo carried - trucks, motorbikes, plane wings and engines, trains and tenders, Wellington boots and waders!!, ammunition, armoured vehicles.
Currents can be very strong and the dive itself requires a depth of 29m, where the stern came to rest, therefore it is recommended for experienced divers.
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