BIRGIT EHLERS - Bornholm

The Birgit Ehlers, a fishing vessel that sank in 1980, lies at a comfortable 41 metres off Bornholm. We love this wreck not just for its depth, but for its incredibly intact nature. This isn't just a pile of twisted metal; you can still make out the superstructure, the wheelhouse, even the mast, all draped in fishing nets that tell the story of its final hours. Diving the Birgit Ehlers feels like stepping into a time capsule, a stark contrast to some of the more broken wrecks we've explored in the Baltic. You'll find cod lurking in the shadows of the hold, their dark eyes watching you, while lumpsuckers cling to the metal plates, camouflaged perfectly. The visibility here can be superb, especially in late summer, allowing the wreck to truly reveal its details. We’d suggest a strong torch; penetration into the hold is possible for those with the right training and experience, but even just peering into the darker sections from above deck is rewarding. It's a truly atmospheric dive, perfectly suited for experienced wreck divers looking for something a bit different, a bit eerie.

Location
Bornholm, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.917667, 12.998834
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
41m

Wreck History - BIRGIT EHLERS

Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

In the cold, dark waters off the Danish island of Bornholm lies a mystery: the wreck of the BIRGIT EHLERS. Little is known about this fishing vessel-not when it sank, nor the story of its final voyage. Its history is preserved only by the Baltic Sea itself. What is known is its depth and its classification as a dangerous wreck, a combination that beckons to experienced technical divers looking for a true exploration.

At 41 meters, a dive on the BIRGIT EHLERS is a serious undertaking, requiring careful planning and deep-diving certification. Descending through the water column, divers will see the ghostly shape of the fishing trawler emerge from the gloom. In the low-light conditions of the Baltic, the wreck is often draped in a fine layer of silt and colonized by cold-water marine life. This is a dive for the adventurous, a chance to visit a forgotten vessel and ponder the untold stories of the souls who worked its decks.

Marine Protected Area: Klinteskov kalkgrund

Best Time to Dive in Bornholm

The warmest water temperatures in Bornholm occur in January, averaging 3.3°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 3.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 3.3°C (air: 3.1°C)
  • February: 3.3°C (air: 3.2°C)
  • March: 3.3°C (air: 3.9°C)
  • April: 3.3°C (air: 6.0°C)
  • May: 3.3°C (air: 10.9°C)
  • June: 3.3°C (air: 16.1°C)
  • July: 3.3°C (air: 17.4°C)
  • August: 3.3°C (air: 18.0°C)
  • September: 3.3°C (air: 15.7°C)
  • October: 3.3°C (air: 11.5°C)
  • November: 3.3°C (air: 7.1°C)
  • December: 3.3°C (air: 3.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Bornholm

Nearest Dive Centres to BIRGIT EHLERS

Marine Life in Bornholm

Home to 67 recorded species including 43 reef fish, 7 clams & mussels, 5 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 crabs & lobsters, 2 starfish, 2 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BIRGIT EHLERS

Based on average water temperature of 3.3°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 3°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories