BRISE I

Best months: Jul–Sep

Why dive here

With 66+ marine species recorded in the area - including jellyfish lake - BRISE I offers some of Bornholm's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 3-18°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeJellyfish Lake · 66+ species recorded

Water3-18°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 40m

Bornholm diving means wrecks, and the *Brise I* is a standout for us. Lying at 40 metres, she’s a deeper dive, best suited for those comfortable with their buoyancy and deco stops. This cargo vessel, sunk in 1971, is surprisingly intact for her age and location. We love dropping down the line onto the bridge, often finding it swarming with blennies and cod. The real draw here is the penetration. Her holds are open, revealing the massive propeller shaft stretching towards the stern. It's dark in there, so good lights are essential, but the sense of history is palpable. We’ve often found conger eels tucked into the shadowed corners. Outside, the superstructure offers plenty to explore, with various pipes and machinery encrusted in anemones, creating miniature ecosystems. It’s a sobering dive when you remember the seven crew members lost, but also a poignant reminder of the sea’s power. Visibility can swing dramatically, so picking a calm weather window is key for the best experience.

Typical BRISE I Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Deep dive (40m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Cold water this month (avg 14°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

Today06:2017:0910h 50m daylightGolden hour 16:19

BRISE I Wreck History

Year Sunk

1971

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

storm

The motor vessel BRISE I was a modern cargo ship, built in 1957. Her final, tragic voyage took place in November 1971 while en route from Vyborg to West Germany. Caught in severe weather in the Baltic Sea, the ship began taking on water, flooding her number two cargo hold. Overwhelmed by the storm, the BRISE I foundered and sank about 16 miles south of the Utklippan lighthouse, claiming the lives of seven of her ten crew members.

Today, the BRISE I rests at a depth of 40 meters, making her a challenging and rewarding dive for experienced technical divers. Lying on the seabed off the coast of Bornholm, the wreck serves as a somber memorial to the power of the sea and the sailors who were lost. Divers can explore a relatively intact vessel from the Cold War era, witnessing the circumstances of its sudden and violent end. The depth ensures the wreck is often visited in calm, clear conditions, offering a poignant glimpse into a maritime tragedy.