Thistlegorm Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category dangerous wreck
Thistlegorm Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		27 49.003 N,33 55.255 E
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: 27.816717
  • Longitude: 33.920917
Wreck Depth 11 m
Water Depth 31 m
Water Level Effect always under water/submerged
Vertical Datum Lowest Astronomical Tide
Name THISTLEGORM
Type steam ship
Flag GB
Length 126.5 m
Width 17.7 m
Tonnage 4898
Tonnage Type gross
Cargo general and mixed goods,railway: stock and construction materials,machinery and mechanical parts,wine
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Oct 6, 1941
Bottom Texture Coral
Original Detection Year 1941
Last Detection Year 2025
Original Source other
Surveying Details H03496/41 31.10.41 DW IN 274910N, 335506E OR 036.5DEG, 10.16M FROM BLUFF POINT LIGHT. (SO(I) COLOMBO, 8.10.41). 31.10.41 FIXED BY TRANSITS: N BEACON BRG 335DEG [T], S BEACON BRG 209DEG [T]. (HMS CARLISLE, HN 10.10.41). N BEACON LIES 026.5DEG, 11.4M FROM BLUFF PT LT; S BEACON LIES 038.5DEGS, 8.49M FROM BLUFF PT LT. - PFNM 2537/41. 4.3.42 SUNK IN 274845N, 335520E. (MED HYDRO NM 66/41). - NM 193/42. 25.8.93 LIES BROKEN IN TWO WITH STERN SECTION LYING ON PORT SIDE AND FOR'D SECTION UPRIGHT. BOXED AMMUNITION LIES ON SEABED TO PORT OF WK WITH A STEAM LOCOMOTIVE NEARBY. OTHER CARGO CONSISTS OF BREN GUN CARRIERS, BEDFORD LORRIES AND BSA 350CC MOTORCYCLES. GEN DEPTH IN AREA ABOUT 100FT. (DAILY EXPRESS, 23.8.93). HH476/410/05 27.8.96 DEPTH OVER WRECK ASSESSED TO BE APPROX 12MTRS. (S PRESTON OF UMC INT). INS AS WK USC 11MTRS. - NM 3154/96. 14.5.97 WGD POSN: 274902N, 335515E. NC 2374, 2375. 1.2.00 PHOTOS OF MILITARY TRANSPORT ON WRECK. (DIVER MAGAZINE FEB '00 P.7) 4.12.00 WGD POSN RE-ASSESSED BY GEO REFERENCING: 2749.003N, 3355.255E. NE 2374, 2375. 22.9.10 STEAM LOCOMOTIVE IS UPRIGHTON SANDY SEABED ABOUT 20MTRS OFF PORT SIDE OF WK, ONLY ROLLING CHASIS & SMOKE-BOX REMAIN, NO SIGN OF BOILERS & CAB. (DIVER MAGAZINE OCT '10)
Last Amended Date Sep 8, 2025

Circumstances of loss

BUILT IN 1940 BY J L THOMPSON & SONS WITH 3 CYLINDER TRIPLE EXPANSION ENGINE OF 365NHP. OWNED AT TIME OF LOSS BY ALBYN LINE. TRIPLE EXPANSION ENGINE OF 365NHP. PASSAGE GLASGOW FOR SUEZ VIA TABLE BAY AND ADEN. BOMBED AND SUNK AT ANCHOR BY GERMAN AIRCRAFT. NINE MEN LOST. (DODS). 23.8.93 SUNK BY GERMAN HEINKEL HE111 BOMBERS BASED IN CRETE. (DAILY EXPRESS, 23.8.93).

General Comments

BROKEN IN TWO. MUNITIONS AROUND WK See Also: 43147

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 27 49.003 N,33 55.255 E
Thistlegorm on Wreck Map Thistlegorm Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the THISTLEGORM wreck located?

The THISTLEGORM wreck is located at coordinates 27 49.003 N,33 55.255 E.

How deep is the THISTLEGORM and where exactly is it located?

The THISTLEGORM lies at a depth of about 11 meters and is located at coordinates 27 49.003 N,33 55.255 E.

How deep is the seabed around the THISTLEGORM?

The seabed around the THISTLEGORM lies at approximately 31 meters deep.

When did the THISTLEGORM sink?

The THISTLEGORM sank on Oct 6, 1941.

When was the wreck of the THISTLEGORM discovered?

The wreck of the THISTLEGORM was discovered in 1941.

What country did the THISTLEGORM belong to?

The THISTLEGORM belonged to GB.

What cargo was the THISTLEGORM carrying?

The THISTLEGORM was carrying general and mixed goods,railway: stock and construction materials,machinery and mechanical parts,wine.

What was the tonnage of the THISTLEGORM?

The THISTLEGORM had a tonnage of 4898 tons.

What type of wreck is the THISTLEGORM?

The THISTLEGORM is classified as a steam ship.

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