BRISE I - Bornholm

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.

Location
Bornholm, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.766666, 15.700000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Wreck History - BRISE I

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.

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 BRISE I

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 BRISE I

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is the Briny Breezes dive site?
The data provided is for the BRISE I dive site, not Briny Breezes. The BRISE I wreck, located in Bornholm, Denmark, is found at a depth of 40 meters. This depth classifies it as a deep dive, requiring appropriate training and experience.
What marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to encounter at Briny Breezes?
The provided data for the BRISE I dive site does not specify details about marine life or general underwater topography beyond it being a wreck. Divers can expect to explore the structure of the 77.7m x 11m motor vessel, which sank in 1971. For more information on marine life in the region, you might explore our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level for diving Briny Breezes, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The BRISE I dive site, which is the site described in our data, is classified with an intermediate difficulty level. Given its depth of 40 meters and intermediate rating, it is generally not suitable for beginner divers. Divers should possess appropriate experience and certifications for wreck diving at this depth.
When is the best time of year to dive Briny Breezes for optimal conditions and marine life?
Our current data for the BRISE I dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine life encounters. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you can refer to our When to Dive section. We recommend checking local dive operators for up-to-date conditions in Bornholm, Denmark.
What dive certifications are needed to explore the Briny Breezes dive site?
While specific certifications are not explicitly listed in the data for the BRISE I dive site, its depth of 40 meters and intermediate difficulty classification suggest that advanced certifications are necessary. Divers should typically hold at least an Advanced Open Water Diver certification, and potentially Deep Diver or Wreck Diver specialties, to safely explore this site. Always dive within your training and experience limits.
Are there strong currents or specific water conditions divers should be aware of at Briny Breezes?
Our current data for the BRISE I dive site does not specifically detail typical current strengths or specific water conditions for divers. The vessel did sink during heavy weather, which suggests the area can experience challenging conditions. It is always advisable to consult local dive operators for the most current information on water conditions before diving in Bornholm, Denmark.