Dear Dirty Dozen Team Member,
We hope this email, as always, finds you well.
This week, we are exploring the Red Sea in-depth, with detailed first-hand recounts of diving the SS Thistlegorm and the Blue Hole. Discover our newest expedition vessel, MV Legends II, and find out why we love diving in the Red Sea.
NEW DATES - RED SEA 2026
Only a few weeks ago, we announced our inaugural Red Sea expedition and spaces sold out within a few days! As such, we are excited to announce a second set of dates in October 2026.
Our second expedition will run from October 16 - 27, 2026.
This bespoke, 12-day/11-night route starts in the northern Red Sea, embarking in Hurghada and exploring the protected Marine Park of Ras Mohamed, before finishing in the renowned technical diving mecca of Dahab.
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
During our 10-night trip we will dive as many of the following sites as possible:
Wrecks of Abu Nuhas
Thistlegorm
Rosalie Moller
Lara Wreck
Thomas Canyon
Abu Talha / Abu Helal
Tiger Canyon
Blue Hole
Tiran
Ras Mohamed
Gulf Fleet
WRECK IN-DEPTH SS THISTLEGORM
A WARTIME TRAGEDY
Built in 1940 for the Albion Shipping Company, the SS Thistlegorm was a cargo steamship tasked with supporting the British war effort during World War II. Measuring 128 meters (419 feet) in length and powered by a triple-expansion steam engine, it was designed to transport essential supplies to the Allied forces.
In June 1941, the vessel embarked on what would be its final voyage, carrying a vast arsenal of military cargo, including rifles, motorcycles, aircraft parts, trucks, and locomotives. As part of Convoy W.11, the ship navigated towards Alexandria, Egypt, but due to a blocked passage through the Suez Canal, it was forced to anchor in the Straits of Gubal.
On the night of October 6, 1941, the SS Thistlegorm was discovered by two German Heinkel He-111 bombers. Mistaking it for a troop transport vessel, the aircraft launched a devastating attack, causing a massive explosion in the aft section of the ship where the ammunition was stored. The ship sank within minutes, taking nine crew members and its cargo to the ocean floor.
REDISCOVERY
The wreck lay undisturbed until 1956, when legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau located it using information from local fishermen. However, it wasn't until the 1990s that the site gained widespread recognition as a premier dive destination.
Today, the SS Thistlegorm rests at a depth of 30 meters (100 feet), offering an unparalleled experience for divers. The ship's superstructure, cargo holds, and remnants of wartime artifacts remain remarkably intact. Long penetrations offer encounters with preserved BSA motorcycles, Bedford trucks, Bren guns, boots, and even an intact locomotive on the seabed.
EXPLORING THE BLUE HOLE IN DAHAB
Aron Arngrímsson, a seasoned technical diver and founder of The Dirty Dozen Expeditions, has a profound connection with Dahab's Blue Hole, one of the world's most renowned dive sites.
In 2010, Aron co-founded Team Blue Immersion in Dahab, alongside Jonas Samuelsson and Erik Brown. Over six years, they guided numerous divers through the depths of the Sinai Peninsula, exploring submerged canyons, the Blue Hole, and the rich marine life of the Red Sea.
The Blue Hole, a 120-meter-deep submarine sinkhole, is famed for its "arch," an overhang starting at 55 meters and descending to the bottom at 130m. Aron has frequently dived this site, often commencing early morning dives at 6 am to experience its serene beauty.
Our new Red Sea itinerary reflects Aron's enduring passion for the region and offers divers an opportunity to experience these iconic sites under his expert guidance.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MV LEGENDS II
Designed to accommodate divers of all levels, our Red Sea expedition vessel boasts spacious cabins, modern amenities, and a dedicated diving deck. Each detail of the vessel reflects our commitment to providing a superior tech diving experience.
From the advanced filling stations for mixed gas and O2 fills to the comfortable relaxation areas, every aspect of the boat is tailored to meet the needs of our guests. This is also the only full-sized dive boat in the Red Sea with a diver lift.
Newly renovated, now MV Legends II has 11 fully refurbished, modern, air-conditioned cabins complete with ensuite bathrooms and ample storage space within every cabin.
ACCOMODATION
Your cabin will be cleaned daily throughout your stay and features include 220v electricity, reading lights, storage cupboards, an ensuite bathroom, fresh towels (for both bathing and dive use) and purpose-made mattresses for maximum comfort.
FOOD
MV Legends offers a choice of international and local cuisine, served buffet style in the indoor, air-conditioned dining area. A range of carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, black, green, and herbal teas are available, as well as instant and freshly brewed coffee.
A selection of fresh fruit is always on hand, as well as some tasty treats in case you feel peckish in between meal times. You may also select beer, wine, or spirits from the cocktail bar for an additional fee.
That’s it from us for now. We look forward to some great adventures in 2025 and as always, don’t forget, if you are feeling lonely, then we are here to chat Dirty.
Best,
Aron Arngrímsson and the DDE Team