Red Sea Explorers (RSE) has always collaborated with Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) on various projects to conserve the Red Sea. Recently HEPCA has started a campaign to conserve the world famous wreck the HMS Thistlegorm

Red Sea Explorers (RSE) has always been collaborating with Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) on various projects to conserve the Red Sea. Recently HEPCA has started a campaign to conserve what is remaining of the world famous wreck the HMS Thistlegorm. The campaign is facing resentment from several dive operators because the wreck will have to be closed down for a couple of weeks. Nonetheless here at RSE we are supporting this effort.

RSE has put the MV Tala, a liveaboard diving vessel, at the disposal of HEPCA for use with this project. Also the RSE dive team has volunteered to provide technical and logistical support for the operation. Although HEPCA's diving professionals have vast experience in the installation of mooring systems and other underwater works, they do not regularly perform operations in the depth required for this project.

For that reason RSE made it arsenal of equipment and expertise available for the HEPCA dive team. From double tanks and stage tanks to scooters and underwater video equipment it has all been provided for use on this project. RSE provided the HEPCA team with decompression profiles that improve their safety. An extensive brief on the use of oxygen enriched air and pure oxygen to prolong bottom times and accelerate decompression. Hopefully the proper equipment and diving protocols will make this experience a safer and successful one.

HEPCA is doing great effort to conserve the Thistlegorm and hopefully dive operators will act responsibly and use the facility that HEPCA is providing. There are other beautiful wrecks on the Red Sea and we hope they will also be taken care of before they deteriorate any further. The Rosalie Muller lost the magnificent rear mast only a few weeks ago due to boat tying up to it, If some protocols are not put in place soon it might loose its front mast soon and continue to deteriorate.

We appeal to all divers and dive operators to support HEPCA in this and other projects.www.hepca.com

Below are a few videos from the recent project on the Thistlegorm