wreck

Log This Dive

JAN HEWELIUSZ

The Jan Heweliusz wreck off Bornholm is a serious piece of history. We’ve been down to her a few times, and the sheer scale of the capsized ferry is always a bit humbling. You drop onto the starboard side, which is now the uppermost, lying at 24 metres. It’s dark down there, even on a sunny day, with the water often feeling thick with suspended particles, giving it that classic Baltic green hue. The Heweliusz went down in a brutal storm in ‘93, carrying trains and lorries, and that chaos is still evident. We love nosing around the exposed parts – the railings, the sheer bulk of the hull, and the huge props at the stern. Look for the massive anchor chain still spilling out of the hawsepipe. It’s an eerie experience, imagining the force of the waves that flipped her. Visibility can be tricky, so we always suggest a good primary light and a backup. It’s a site for experienced wreck divers who appreciate a sombre, dramatic dive over a vibrant coral garden. No bright colours here, just the stark beauty of a ship reclaimed by the sea.