New iBook takes readers to the depths of the ocean to explore world-famous shipwreck

The SS Thistlegorm was a merchant navy steam ship, sunk by German bombers in 1941 as it was carrying supplies to support the allied war effort in Egypt. The vessel was carrying a range of provisions including trains, aircraft parts, trucks and motorbikes, all of which now lie 32 metres down at the bottom of the Red Sea.

The wreck is widely known in the diving community and is considered one of the best diving sites in the world, but is lesser known among the general public.  Now, 3D projects such as this are bringing submerged sites to the surface, enabling everyone to appreciate what lies on the sea bed.

With nine 3D models and 320 illustrations and images, including 120 breath-taking underwater images, each part of the ship and its cargo is covered in detail.

Descriptions include where each artefact or area of interest can be found with location maps showing exactly where the ship hides its secrets, contemporary wartime images of the cargo in action, modern day preserved examples as well as in-situ images taken inside and around the wreck.

The iBook probably has more underwater photos in it than any other – totalling around 25,000.

Although most were used to create the interactive 3D photogrammetry models of the wreck and cargo decks, there are still 120+ photos, as well as shots of surviving examples of the military vehicles and period images specially licensed from the Imperial War Museum. There is even a reconstructed 3D model of the ship, built from the original builders plans.

For the diver, this book is a guide to help you find and appreciate what is actually on the wreck. For the non-diver, the guide and its 3D content provides the next best experience to actually getting wet and seeing the Thistlegorm for yourself.

Dr Jon Henderson says; “Using the iBook format allows us to present our high definition 3D survey data in a new and exciting way. We can present moving photorealistic models in the text and link to immersive 360 degree video, meaning we can now present underwater sites, which are very much a form of hidden heritage, in a much more accessible and interactive way. The iBook allows readers to, in effect, explore the shipwreck from their armchair, identify the cargo and get a sense of what it is like to actually dive on the site”.

The ibook can be downloaded here at the itunes store.

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