The mask was clear. Weights just right and with an intake of air DJ was able to rise, exhale and we descend! The nearest thing to flying under water! The reef lay in front, the rest of the group above; Terry signals up and DJ realises he is over 30 metres deep! Wrasse, Parrotfish and Surgeonfish cruise the reef, whilst the photo enthusiasts take shots of the Emperorfish, Bannerfish and Sweetlips hanging around the pinnacles. Dive 64 is really turning out to be one of the best. Keeping well out of the range of the Trigger Fish DJ follows the others now at a sensible depth (for him) around the reef into the current! 42 minutes and yet another dive with the normal safety stop, into the Rib and back to Superior.

For a few years the daily dive boats from El Gouna and Hurghada have not been allowed to visit the 130m long British armed Merchant Navy ship SS Thistlegorm so the only way to dive this wreck from this side of the Red Sea is to book a liveaboard trip.

Occasionally we hear of day trips using safari licenses and on Saturday, whilst disappointed that a planned day trip had been cancelled, I was told by Mat Cotton at Emperor Divers in El Gouna of an overnight trip departing on Sunday. It sounded perfect so I took my kit over to Emperor at the Moevenpick Hotel and booked myself on. My fellow club members interested in the Thistlegorm had already rebooked a dive to the Rosalie Moller, which is a regular trip for us, so it was just going to be me departing on Sunday from our club.

On Sunday morning I was picked up and driven over to Abydos Marina, where most of the dive boats depart in El Gouna, and boarded the boat 'Sea Dream'. Whilst I was not expecting the usual luxurious Emperor safari boats just for an overnighter I was pleased to find out that myself and the other divers had ensuite cabins. Once the formalities of passport copies was sorted we were on our way around 9.30am. So just six divers in total, the crew and two guides.

It took around three hours to cross the bumpy Straits of Gobal to reach the mooring for the Thistlegorm off the Sinai Coast. When we arrived there was just one other boat moored there with another approaching from the distance. My buddies were Joel aged 15, a PADI AOW with 22 logged dives and his father Ned, both divers at home in Northern Ireland. They were on holiday in Makadi Bay and the non-diving wife had remained at the hotel to relax. Our guide was Mohamed and there were also three Russians diving with the other guide Tarek.

The first dive I was escorted down by two large bat fish probably hoping to find something good to eat in my mass of floating hair. We landed over the bomb damaged section where the ship was hit from the air by the squadron of Heinkels searching for a large troop ship. The two 450kg bombs struck her mid section detonating much ammunition and killing four crew members and nine sailors. With the Egyptian night sky lit up by the blazing ship she sank immediately on 6th October 1940. Hold 4 had been full of armoured vehicles, aerial bombs, cases of anti tank mines, ammunition, hand grenades. I remember when I last dived the wreck a few years ago seeing all the long black rubber Wellington boots which the troops would have used to cross the muddy terrain. All I saw now were the thick soles with the rubber eroded away. We dropped down to the seabed and the steeply listing stern to view the armed freighter's heavy fixed position machine gun and a 120mm anti-aircraft gun silhouetted against the surface. Rounding the stern to the massive propeller and then following the steep sides of the ship along to the bow we were joined by an enormous Napoleon Wrasse. We finished the 41 minute dive on the deck by the crumpled railway wagons with a large turtle resting nearby that we often spotted on the surface later as it came up regularly for air.

After lunch we began the second dive dropping down into hold no.2. This was also my 600th dive! The hold is full of rusting Bedford trucks and rows of BSA and Norton motor bikes. We swam through a hole into hold no. 1 full which was loaded with Lee Enfield Rifles, spare parts, camp beds, tires, more rubber boots, Morris cars and BSA bikes. We only saw our six divers and two guides on both dives unlike before when the holds have been full of divers torch beams and camera flashes. Sorry no underwater photos as no-one on our trip took a camera.

Our surface interval back on deck was spent watching the sunset and preparing for the night dive. Six dive boats were now moored up for the night around us.

This was my first night dive on the Thistlegorm and the plan was to explore the holds again. I was a little apprehensive thinking we wouldn't be able to see the light of the exits out of the holds in the dark but the bright lights of the dive boats on the surface shed a dull glow over the decks. We saw a huge scorpion fish and giant moray and lots of lion fish hunting in the torch light. Really enjoyed the night dive in the eery darkness. 20 meters max depth and 45 minutes dive time and back onboard for dinner.

Moored next to us overnight was a very nice liveaboard full of Italians called Desmondo. After dinner most of us retired to bed around 11pm as we would be briefed at 6am for the next dive. I went down to my cabin and discovered the windows had leaked during the rough crossing and my bed was rather damp at one end! Never mind and very nearly drifting off to sleep but the horrendous roar of the generator from Desmondo kept interrupting my approaching dreams. The boats bright lights were also filtering through my porthole windows and together with the heat of the still, windless night and with our generator switched off and therefore air conditioning and lights not working I decided around 1.30am that I would have to move and find somewhere cooler, quieter and less bright.

I went up to the sun deck but all the benches on the side away from Desmondo were occupied by the other five divers. The upper sun deck was completely soaking wet with condensation due to the high temperature and no wind. I went into the dark lounge and lay on the first seat not wishing to disturb the gentle snoring I could hear further in. Thought I would be fine here until Desmondo drifted round a little closer so now their strong deck lights were bobbing up and down like search lights right onto my face.

It was now around 2.30am and I was tempted to dive down to get some ammunition to sink Desmondo but decided instead to grab a small plastic mattress from a bench and took it down to the also soaking wet dive platform next to the rhib. Perfect as long as I stayed on my small plastic island and didn't let the blanket slip. I lay back and searched for shooting stars just a few feet from the water and then realised just how noisy the sea is at night. The fish were constantly jumping out of the water and splash landing. At least it was more pleasant than the relentless roar of the generator which was inescapable. It was beautifully cool outside and very humid so it wasn't long before my blanket and pillow were damp. Still wide awake at 4.20am it was worth a restless night to see the sky slowly turning pink and the red sun rising from behind the mountains just after 5am. The divers on Des had probably slept very well as they were all kitted up and jumping in the water at 5.40am.

Just two of our group kitted up at 6am for our fourth dive on the Thistlegorm and dropped down to the sea bed at 30 meters and swam about 20m away to one of the locomotives that was blown off the wreck during the forceful explosion. It was nice to have the time to explore the sea bed a little before moving round the outside of the ship and then up to visit the Captain's bathroom. I always think of my father when diving this wreck as the supplies were heading for the British 8th army in North Africa where he was an Officer.

After breakfast we crossed back over to Abu Nuhas to dive the wreck of the Ghiannis D and explored inside the engine room. The Ghiannis D is such a pretty and photographic wreck covered in colourful corals and beautifully lit in the morning sunshine and a regular excursion for our club from El Gouna. The sixth and final dive was at El Gilwa around 11am where we were joined by Emperor's day boat from El Gouna keen to hear the news of our expedition.

We were back early afternoon to a stifling 40 degrees on land but everyone had thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I have to say a big thank you to Emperor Divers and especially to Mat for letting me know about the trip and for the excellent service received from their staff, boat crew and guides.

I really enjoyed just doing a one night trip and will definitely organise another trip after Ramadan for our other dive club members and, of course, me to enjoy again.

If you would like to know more about this overnight trip, please email info.reservations@emperordivers.com

30/7/07     Dive 33     SS THISTLEGORM (2)

Oh yes! Derek (DJ) was full of confidence now; after all he had dived Thistlegorm. Donna brought him back to earth on her check. "You intend to dive without turning on your air then?" A crestfallen DJ then followed her into the blue. The dive decks hustle and bustle, in one goes and, apart from the air, no sound but uncanny peace, superb. Down the now familiar rope to the deck with visibility a lot better. marine life abounded with every type of fish who, in the main, took no notice of divers. Skirting the anti aircraft gun, which at the time was not fired for the crew thinking the low flying aircraft were British, to the Bren gun carrier and one of the steam engines. The rope room was pointed out whilst the rest of the group concentrated on the coal and water tenders.

30/7/07     Dive 32     SS THISTLEGORM

King Snefro rocked gently in the swell as a very nervy Derek sat waiting his turn reflecting on the last time he was in this same position - suited up and feeling very sick as the boat rocked violently in the heavy swell the year previously with only some 14 dives to his "credit" he wondered then if he could ever join the professionals to dive Thistlegorm. He recalled the depth of despair then when Donna said, "Really Derek it's so rough and now you're not well to say the least, we can't risk it." Now with a few more dives and a lot of study he felt more confident. The brief was over the experts had asked all the questions, all had chosen their buddies and the brief ended with the welcome words, "Derek you're with me." Terry and Janice were going to film.

Lying between 12 - 18mt in a protected bay, this wreck is suitable for all levels of diver and is situated off a wonderfully secluded shore south of Wadi El Gamal National Park.

No need for any great depth here as you explore this two-part wreck that sank in mysterious circumstances in 1993. Masts and ropes are still attached and now smothered in fledgling hard corals while butterflyfish and parrotfish nibble away. Lying on its starboard side at 15mt it makes a fine subject for photographers, while 'wreckies' will delight in the intact propeller and the possibility to explore holds and cabins. Snorkellers will also love the opportunity to snorkel a wreck - so unique!

A light lunch on the unspoiled beach with an imposing backdrop of mountains sets you up for either another dive on the wreck or the chance to explore an immaculate north reef. Then drive back through Wadi El Gamal National Park and keep your eye out for the grazing camels on the way home.

You leave the dive centre at 7am and return at 5pm, so a great day out for just 30 Euros including lunch, drinks and transfer.

And this fantastic photo was taken by Luke Atkinson, Marsa Alam's Dive Centre Manager!

Find out more at www.emperordivers.com or email reservations@emperordivers.com

The trip costs just 125 Euro (in addition to your two days day diving) + 165 LE (approx £19) for food & drink.

What else you need to know:
Minimum numbers apply.
Maximum of 12 divers only
5 Euros Ras Mohammed fee
Must be an advanced diver or have logged experience of diving up to 30m
A days diving on the day boat is a prerequisite to joining the trip

Book as soon as you get to the dive centre to make sure you get your place to see in 2011 with a difference.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We can't guarantee what you'll discover but we can guarantee a memorable time and an exciting adventure. It could be you discovering a new ancient wreck, an unknown destroyer such as the Myngs or a pristine reef! On the first and last days you'll dive some of the best known reefs in the St Johns and Fury Shoals area.

2010 dates:

• 16/04 - 23/04: Emperor Elite
• 13/08 - 27/08: Emperor Elite

Sinai Mini Cruise
- Ras Mohammed - Dunraven - Thistlegorm

Sinai Classic Cruise
Ras Mohammed - Thistlegorm - Abu Nuhas or Straits of Tiran

Deep North
Ras Mohammed - Ras Mamlach - Ras Abu Galum - Dahab - Nuweiba

With prices at just over £290 for a mini cruise...what are you waiting for? 

Email info.safaris@emperordivers.com today

The extent of damage to corals is to be assessed.

The reason for the incident is not known as yet.

Our thanks to Simon Burrows, aged 12, who is currently diving with Emperor Sharm for these photos of the incident.

Dive the best of the best of the famous wrecks of the northern Red Sea.

Sailing from Hurghada on Asmaa (pictured left), the aim is to dive all the wrecks in the area including El Mina, an Egyptian mine sweeper lying just outside Hurghada's harbour; Suzanna, a small pleasure yacht, the Carnatic, the tile wreck, the lentil wreck and Giannis D at Abu Nuhas. At Gubal islands we dive the Barge, the Ulysses (sunk in 1887) and the Rosalie Moeller, then onto the Kingston (or Sarah H, sunk in1881) lying at Shag Rock; then the Carina (sunk in 1926) lying close to Shab Ali and, of course, the Dunraven (sunk 1876) at beacon rock  situated in the Ras Mohammed National Park.

Finally the most famous wreck in the Red Sea the Thistlegorm, which lies at Shab Ali.

These wrecks are spectacular and make fantastic material for the underwater photographer being smothered in corals. The famous SS Thistlegorm and the Rosalie Moller are World War II wrecks and one of the highlights of this cruise.

In between wreck dives you will also visit the reefs of the Straits of Gubal, Gulf of Suez and those to the north of Hurghada. A variety of deep walls and hard coral gardens with an abundance of reef fish make them well worth a visit.

All wrecks are subject to divers' experience and weather conditions. A minimum of 20 logged dives and Advance OW Diver is required to be able to dive the deeper wrecks - or you can do your Advanced course on board!

* Free place just pays an extra 30 Euro for Marine Park and fuel surcharge fees.
Offer excludes Easter week and 15/09/10 - 15/11/10.

Email info.safaris@emperordivers.com for more details or to book today!

Aaron, along with fellow Instructor Chris Berry, has now branched out to create their own Technical centre, which has a large emphasis on the world of Rebreathers. So what does that mean for Tekstreme Diving? It means the "Next Generation".
What Aaron leaves is a team of Technical Instructors that will lead the way and maintain and grow the excellent character and service of Emperor's Technical department.

The team now falls under the watchful eye of Cat Parfitt (pictured left and below). Cat has been with Emperor Divers for eight years working as a safari guide and Instructor. She began her diving career many years ago by doing a try dive with Emperor Divers. Since that point she has completed all courses under the Emperor umbrella with her Technical Instructor courses under Aaron. Cat's main drive and focus over the last five years has been to establish herself within the Tekstreme Team and with a mentor such as Aaron she could not have wished for any better guidance.
Tekstreme Diving will continue to offer technical courses, technical guiding and safaris in all Emperor's centres. "We welcome new and existing friends and guests to dive with our team, which is bursting with enthusiastic, professional instructors who have a strong commitment and passion for what they do," explains Cat.

You can keep up to date with recent events and special offers by checking out the web site www.tekstremediving.com. Or join the Tekstreme Diving Facebook group with postings on the most recent diving courses with a variety of on-land and underwater photos. Your input is welcomed so that the Team can provide an extensive information source for the diving community. 

"Take care to all, happy diving and we hope to see you soon with us here at Tekstreme Diving."

Cat Parfitt and the Tekstreme Team

Exploration Safaris take you to reef systems that other safari boats have never dived. Here's your chance to discover and explore new sites that even our most experienced dive guides have never visited before. We can't guarantee what you'll discover but we can guarantee a memorable time and an exciting adventure. It could be you discovering new ancient wreck (see Diver magazine July 2008); an unknown destroyer such as the Myngs or a pristine reef! On the first and last days you'll dive some of the best know reefs in the St Johns and Fury Shoals area.

Best of Exploration Safaris take you to the most interesting sites discovered on the previous four years of Exploration Safaris. Come with us to the 'top secret' sites where you'll dive the best known reefs (Daedalus, Elphinstone and St. Johns) with far lesser known sites as far south as the Elba Reef system. You might see other boats at the better known sites but we can almost guarantee you will be alone with the sea, reefs and your fellow divers on quite a few of the days.