Preserving the wreck of the SS Thistlegorm has been being discussed for a long time in Egypt and by divers around the world. This iconic wreck comes under great strain from the sheer number of dive boats who tie directly on to the wreck every day and it is taking its toll.
Without proper intervention and a new code of conduct to preserve this beautiful wreck, she will continue to deteriorate at a rapid pace.
It is with great joy that I read an announcement today that will help dramatically in the long term care of the Thistlegorm. It has been announced by HEPCA (Hurghada Environmental Protection Agency) that the wreck will be closed for divers for 15 days in January while 18 man-made mooring blocks are dropped around the wreck, with the help of the Egyptian Navy.
These mooring blocks will then become the sole locations for boats to tie in when divers see this spectacular wreck. The Ministry of Tourism in Egypt has issued a ban on attaching ropes directly on to the wreck and this can only mean good things for what is possibly one of the most famous shipwrecks in the world for divers.
The project is being funded by HEPCA on behalf of its members.
