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