The Latest on the ongoing Thistlegorm conservation plans:

Well the current news here in Sharm is the on-going debate over the new conservation actions taken on the SS Thistlegorm. Of course as guides out here, we want nothing more than to be able to preserve this much loved wreck and not to see its gradual disintegration due to poor mooring practices. So when we heard that a new system was to be put in place we were all overjoyed… not least because mooring on this dive is one of the most challenging things a dive guide in Sharm ever has to do. Well at the moment we are all trying to work together to find a way for the moorings that have been put in, to work. The original moorings were found to start too deep and tended to rub against the wreck in the strong currents to which this area is prone. So new ropes have been put in, bearing buoys that whilst they don't reach the surface (in order to prevent their theft), they do come up to around 5M and can be clearly seen from the deck of a dive boat. We are still finding a few practicalities need to be worked out, as the currents here can make a line to the wreck itself an absolute necessity, but it is a definite improvement and a step in the right direction.

Here is the latest news flash from HEPCA: "Over the test period of the last few weeks it has become apparent that the system could be enhanced further for ease and safety. To this end, a consultative meeting was held on 24th February in Sharm El Sheikh. Managers of several of the larger dive centres, and representatives of the CDWS and SSDM, met with Amr Ali from HEPCA to review the system and discuss possible improvements. Keeping the existing ropes and fixings on the seabed, it has now been proposed to fix a stopper-system of a shorter line, which will be attached at 45 degrees to the original line and also fixed by a Manta Ray drilling, to reduce the distance the line can move towards the wreck. This system has been affectionately called the ‘Miki System’, named after the Camel dive centre manager, Miki Clark, who designed and proposed it. Additionally, the ropes will terminate on a buoyed device located below the surface at a depth of around 14m to avoid theft and damage by fishing boats. This will also reduce the risk of DCS for guides and place the job of tying in at depths even shallower than tying onto the old positions on the wreck itself. During the discussions, many other positives suggestions and solutions were aired including the provision of an external ring of moorings for the larger safari boats whose guests can easily reach the wreck by zodiac. It is proposed that the SS Thistlegorm be closed to boats for one week from 6th to 12th March 2008 to enable phase two of the conservation work to take place. Further announcements will be made shortly with news of progress of the plans. HEPCA thank everyone for your understanding, cooperation and support.".

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