CONDITION OF THE WRECK

In the years since its rediscovery, Dr Nasef has visited the wreck in cooperation with HEPCA (Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association). He has found that the condition of the wreck was worsening with each visit. “HEPCA has done its best, but it isn’t enough,” he said. “I think it is imperative that divers are made aware of the importance of this site and the need to maintain what we have. This place is meant to be the best wreck site in the world but we’re ruining it.”

In his articles in Diventures Magazine and his book Old Diver Diaries, Dr Nasef has even said that he “sometimes regrets rediscovering the wreck and [publicising] it to the world because of its current condition”.

“I think it is imperative that divers are made aware of the importance of this site and the need to maintain what we have. This place is meant to be the best wreck site in the world but we’re ruining it” Dr Hossam Nassef

A drawing of Thistlegorm wreck, Image: www.padi.com/dive-site/egypt/thistlegorm-wreck