Divers and non-divers alike across the globe can now ‘dive’ the iconic SS Thistlegorm shipwreck virtually! A new 3D website has been launched that allows you to take a virtual tour of one of the world’s most popular wrecks.

The iconic Red Sea wreck, SS Thistlegorm

The project is the first to use 360 video and is part of the Nottingham University’s Presence in the Past maritime archaeology study in partnership with Al Shams (Cairo) and Alexandria Universities in Egypt. Dr Jon Henderson of the University of Nottingham’s School of Archaeology was the project director. “This was one of the most exciting things, because with 360-degree video we can now do guided tours around the wreck, so you can actually experience what it’s like to dive it.” said Dr J. Henderson.

“This is an important part of Britain’s and Egypt’s shared heritage and a monument to the Herculean efforts of the Merchant Navy during the Second World War. 9 men died on the SS Thistlegorm, 5 Royal Navy gunners and 4 merchant sailors, just a small part of the 35,000 out of 135,000 Merchant Navy sailors that gave their lives during the war. In the Merchant Navy 1 in 4 men did not come back – that’s the highest proportion of all the fighting forces. We owe to the memory of these brave men to record and preserve their legacy.”

Dive the SS Thistlegorm with the Emperor Elite liveaboard

24,307 high resolution photos were taken across an area of approximately 3 hectares. Amazingly this took just 14 hours during 12 dives! The wreck has been reconstructed in photo-realistic detail and 3D models have been created. Visitors to The Thistlegorm Project website can learn more about photogrammetry that was used to create the 3D imagery and explore the ships’ outer shell, internal decks, cabins and cargo.

Did your virtual tour excite you? Confirm your North Red Sea liveaboard cruise now and immerse yourself in history during your next diving vacation.

Contact Dive The World right away on +66 (0)94 582 7973 / (0)83 505 7794 or send us an email.