BORNEO (POSSIBLY) - Bornholm

We’ve spent a fair bit of time exploring the Baltic, and honestly, Borneo is one of those wrecks that really stands out. It's a fishing vessel, sitting upright in around 38 meters, and she's got a real story to tell even if the historical records are a bit spotty. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the sheer intactness of it all. The superstructure is still largely there, letting you nose around the wheelhouse and imagine the crew fighting that heavy weather back in '75. Our favourite part is the stern, where the prop is still in place, almost daring you to get a closer look. The currents here can be a bit shifty, so we always suggest checking the local conditions before heading out, especially if you’re planning a deeper penetration. Visibility is often decent for the Baltic, maybe 10-15 meters on a good day, allowing the light to play off the encrusted metal. We’ve seen some hefty cod lurking in the holds, and the anenomes are starting to really take hold, painting the deck plates in soft purples and oranges. It’s a proper technical dive, and one that rewards the effort, offering a tangible connection to the sea's wilder history.

Location
Bornholm, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.249985, 13.483067
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
38m

Wreck History - BORNEO (POSSIBLY)

Year Sunk
1975
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
storm

Resting in the cold, deep waters of the Baltic Sea, the wreck tentatively identified as the fishing vessel Borneo tells a story of a battle against the elements. In September 1975, while south of Blekinge, the vessel sent out a distress call during a severe storm. It was taking on water fast and reported it could 'scarcely remain afloat.' Sadly, the Borneo lost its fight and slipped beneath the waves, coming to rest on the seabed 38 meters down.

Today, this wreck presents a challenging and rewarding dive for those with the appropriate training for Baltic conditions. Descending through the green-tinged water, divers will find the remains of a classic fishing vessel. The visibility can be variable, adding to the atmosphere of mystery that surrounds its final, desperate moments. Exploring the Borneo is a poignant reminder of the power of the sea and the perils faced by those who make their living on it.

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 BORNEO (POSSIBLY)

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 BORNEO (POSSIBLY)

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