The Thistlegorm Project
An archaeological survey of the SS Thistlegorm, Red Sea, Egypt
The Thistlegorm Project is an ongoing underwater archaeological survey project recording the remains of the SS Thistlegorm in the Red Sea using cutting edge digital techniques, to raise awareness of the wreck and to help ensure it preservation for future generations. It is part of the Presence in the Past project.
Wreck Survey
In July 2017 the first detailed survey of the wreck was carried out using digital photogrammetry and 360 video approaches. The aims of this survey are twofold. Firstly, an accurate archaeological survey is the first step in creating an effective management strategy for sustainable diving activity on the site. Secondly, the project is about raising awareness of the importance of underwater cultural heritage -the University of Nottingham, Ain Shams (Cairo) and Alexandria University are collaborating on 3D and virtual reality projects that bring submerged subjects to the surface and let everyone appreciate just what lies on the seabed.
Wreck History
The SS Thistlegorm was a British armed Merchant Navy ship which was sunk while at anchor in the Red Sea in the early hours of the 6th October 1941 by two German Heinkel He 111 bombers. It was waiting to enter the Suez canal, destined for Alexandria, and was carrying a rich cargo of munitions, ammunition, vehicles, trucks, motorbikes, aircraft parts and railway wagons and locomotives to help the Allied war effort in Egypt. Nine men (5 gunners and 4 merchant seamen) died in the attack but the rest of the 41 crew managed to escape the burning ship before the munition on board resulted in a massive explosion which broke the wreck in half and took it quickly to the bottom. Today it is considered to be one of the most spectacular dive sites in the world and is the best known and most popular wreck dive site in the Red Sea.
Conservation
The wrecks popularity with divers is also it biggest problem. After 76 years of immersion in salt water the Thistlegorm is at risk. The numbers of dive boats that visit and moor to the wreck are placing a strain on the ship that is damaging the site. This project has created the first accurate baseline survey of the wreck that will enable any future changes to the structure to be monitored.
