Shipwrecks

The Red Sea is steeped in history and from ancient times to the Second World War and the latter parts of the 20^th Century many great ship wrecks can be found near to Sharm El Sheikh. The most famous is the wreck of the SS Thistlegorm, a 126m WW2 vessel that lies 20km away near the Gulf of Suez. This ship is one of the most famous ship wrecks in the world. At just 30m deep and only 13m at the shallowest point it is ideal for scuba divers. Its location, 2 miles from shore and with frequent strong currents requires divers to hold a rating beyond beginner and preferably with 25 dives or more dives to their credit. Once down you will be treated to a time-trap of 1941 wartime cargo and a journey through the annals of history.

Motorbikes, rifles, locomotives, live shells, anti-aircraft guns, Wellington boots and trucks all comprise the cargo of this iconic wreck. The marine life here is also worthy in its own right with huge grouper, tuna and small life all taking advantage of both the shelter that the wreck provides and also the food source that the daily currents bring. A day on the SS Thistlegorm is a day to remember. John Kean is a member of the Sinai Blues team. He is the author of the definitive book about this wreck (SS Thistlegorm – The True Story of the Red Sea’s Greatest Shipwreck) and available as a private guide.
The Zingara and the SS Dunraven wrecks are also reachable from Sharm El Sheikh.