HEPCA's Efforts to Protect the Historic SS Thistlegorm Wreck Featured in Al Masry Al Youm
calendar_monthJuly 03, 2026
Located in the northern Red Sea, the SS Thistlegorm has become one of Egypt's most valuable underwater cultural heritage sites, attracting thousands of divers annually. However, years of intensive tourism activities and direct mooring by dive vessels have contributed to structural damage in several parts of the wreck.
To address these challenges, HEPCA, in cooperation with relevant governmental authorities, ministry of environment, Red Sea protected areas, and Chamber of Diving and Water Sports (CDWS), supporting organizations and marine heritage specialists, has implemented a new protection initiative through the installation of 23 environmentally designed mooring buoys around the wreck site.
The new mooring system allows dive boats to safely secure themselves without attaching directly to the historic ship, significantly reducing physical stress on the wreck while improving diver safety and enhancing site management.
This initiative reflects HEPCA's long-standing commitment to protecting not only the Red Sea's marine ecosystems but also its unique underwater cultural heritage. Sustainable tourism depends on preserving both natural and historical assets, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience these exceptional sites.
The association also values the role of responsible journalism in raising public awareness about environmental and heritage conservation. The feature published by Al Masry Al Youm contributes to highlighting the importance of coordinated conservation efforts and encourages broader support for protecting Egypt's internationally recognized underwater treasures.
HEPCA extends its appreciation to all governmental partners, researchers, technical experts, and stakeholders whose collaboration made this important conservation milestone possible.
Together, we can ensure that the Red Sea remains a global example of how tourism, conservation, and cultural heritage protection can successfully coexist.
