The Egyptian sector of the Red Sea provides scuba divers with their finest opportunity to explore the most outstanding collection of shipwrecks found anywhere in the world. This edition explores nineteen of the most important and diveable shipwrecks. It also includes details about many of the minor wrecks and a list of more than 250 sunken ships.
Ned Middleton presents details of 17 shipwrecks from the Red Sea. Each ship is described in detail and illustrated in its final glory, a narrative of each ship's last journey is provided as well as diving details giving underwater descriptions of each vessel.
Over the centuries dangerous currents, perilous reefs and wars have left the bottom of the Red Sea littered with hundreds of sunken ships. Now, covered with coral formations, these wrecks have become a haven for a variety of underwater life. This guide offers a survey of some of the wrecks.
Diving the Thistlegorm is a unique in-depth look at one of the world’s best-loved shipwrecks, the World War II British Merchant Navy steamship. In this highly visual guide, cutting edge photographic methods enable views of the famous wreck and its fascinating cargo which were previously impossible. Sitting upright in 30m of clear, inviting Red Sea waters, the ship is packed with the materials of war. Largely complete lorries, trucks, motorbikes, aircraft spares and airfield equipment are crammed into the forward holds and the remains of other vehicles lie amongst boxes of ammunition in the exploded aft holds. Often referred to as an underwater museum, the wreck fascinates visitors for dive after dive. The book is the culmination of decades of experience, archaeological and photographic expertise, many hours underwater, months of computer processing time, and days spent researching and verifying the history of the ship and its cargo. For the first time, Diving the Thistlegorm brings the rich and complex contents of the wreck together, identifying individual items and illustrating where they can be found. As the expert team behind the underwater photography, reconstructions and explanations take you through the wreck in incredible detail, you will discover not only what has been learned but also what mysteries are still to be solved. Limited run of hardbacks. Review ‘The most comprehensive guide to one of the world’s greatest shipwrecks’— Emad Khalil, Alexandria University (from the Foreword)
A beautiful hardback book illustrated throughout by 200 original images by the author and others including renowned underwater photographer David Doubilet. Howard Rosenstein wasn’t just opening the first dive school in Sharm El-Sheikh; he was cracking open a hidden world in Sinai. This true story dives headfirst into those ground-breaking times, where celebrated guests, uncharted dives and historical discoveries became the extraordinary routine. It’s a tale of grit, where resourcefulness and connections fuelled Howard’s pioneering spirit. From Roman coins glinting on the seabed to the dark, unmapped depths, his dives unveiled sunken treasures and secrets of the past. But these weren’t just underwater adventures — they were tightrope walks between nations still at war. He braved floods, assisted grounded ships, and even the depths of Mount Sinai itself. Howard’s journey wasn’t a solitary one. He rubbed shoulders with underwater legends, bestselling authors, true photography greats, and even world leaders. He navigated murky shipwrecks, charmed amorous sharks, and found himself a player in the delicate dance of peace negotiations. Through his dive centers, first in the Mediterranean and then exploding onto the Sinai scene, Howard became a pioneer of recreational diving. He shared the magic of the underwater world with a generation, igniting a passion that would forever burn, his only desire that it would never end. But peace, like the tide, comes with a change. Dive deep into the extraordinary story of the entrepreneur who pioneered Red Sea dive tourism with a cast of unforgettable characters. How a dive school in a train carriage at the edge of the desert became a global destination. A journey of success and purpose. Reviews: ‘A rollicking fun tale… Scuba divers worldwide are indebted to them’– Kathy Sullivan, history-making astronaut and oceanographer. ‘Once in a great while a book comes along that combines masterful storytelling, riveting adventure, charismatic characters, and meaningful messages that will continue to haunt you long after the last page is turned. For me, Treasures, Shipwrecks and the Dawn of Red Sea Diving is that book… I urge readers to dive into this book for vicarious adventure, for insight into a life well lived, for reasons why you, too, should succumb to the urge to submerge, and for unbelievable stories that are most wonderful because they are true’– Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer, Founder of Mission Blue (from the Foreword). ‘A fascinating story. Howard’s diving life took him from ancient history, to being among the first to see sharks mate in the wild, to world politics as his pioneering efforts helped make the wonders of the Red Sea available to divers from around the world.’– Marty Snyderman, underwater photographer, author and photojournalist. ‘A fascinating story that, if it was not the real-life of Howard Rosenstein, it would make a first-class adventure novel.’– Dan Orr, Diving Industry Consultant. ‘A captivating voyage through the exotic wonders of the Middle East, above in the Sinai desert and beneath the cobalt blue waters of the fabled Red Sea. His ability to traverse cultures and disciplines while remaining true to his vision is inspiring. This book records one man’s adventures pioneering scuba diving during high politics in the Middle East and is a testament to the transformative power of curiosity, determination, love for the ocean and the desert, and respect for the world around us. I urge you to pick up a copy and embark on this thrilling journey’– Amos Nachoum, award wining nature photographer and diving travel pioneer, BigAnimals.com ‘Howard Rosenstein had a dream that he made a reality – he built, and they came.’– David Doubilet (from the Foreword).
The rich history of the P & O Line began in the 1830s when steam power was still in its infancy, and this, coupled with longer voyages, meant that shipwrecks became inevitable--all part of the risk of running a pioneer shipping company at that time. Shipwrecks of the P & O Line explores these losses, starting the the inaugural mail service sailing of the wooden paddle steamer Don Juan, which ran aground in fog in 1837, and ending 120 years later with the cargo liner Shillong (2), which sank following a collision in the Red Sea in 1957. Sam Warwick and Mike Roussel include a detailed history of each vessel leading up to the time of its loss and meticulously investigate the events surrounding the wrecking of each vessel, with exclusive accounts from diver who have explored the wreck along with striking underwater images. Complete with practical data for divers, this unique history offers a fres analysis of maritime history, of interest to maritime history enthusiasts as well and the many who have taken up diving as a leisure sport.
Just as the sea has played a pivotal role in the connectivity of people, economies and cultures, it has also provided a common platform for inter-disciplinary cooperation amongst academics.
The Red Sea has over 1,000 species of invertebrate and over 200 species of soft and hard coral, forming the basis of a marine eco-system which includes 1,100 species of fish, of which just under 20% are endemic. The high level of endemism is one of the main factors that makes scuba diving in Egypt so attractive. The dive sites offer unobstructed opportunities to spot tropical marine life in crystal-clear waters, ranging from sharks and dolphins to gorgonian fans and feather-stars. Diving types include shallow patch reefs, drift dives and walls, and a collection of some of the most interesting wrecks you are likely to find anywhere, including the world-famous Carnatic and Thistlegorm wrecks. Many of the reefs stretch out far into the sea and form intricate labyrinths of plateaus, lagoons, caves and gardens. Divided into three parts, the book provides a general introduction to diving and snorkelling in the Red Sea including what to expect and where to base yourself; a guide to the best sites for diving and snorkelling; and a photographic identification of 280 of the most common species of marine life covering fish, invertebrates, corals and megafauna. For all those who plan to spend time in or on the waters of the Red Sea, this is the perfect, pocket-sized guide.