wreck

Log This Dive

RATINGEN

Ratingen isn't your typical Bornholm dive. Forget dropping into a deep, dark wreck. This coaster, stranded off Falster Island back in '77, is barely submerged. We’re talking two metres, max. It’s an unusual dive, a shallow wreck perfect for a long bottom time, especially if you’re into wreck photography without the pressure of depth. The wreck itself is a mosaic of rusted steel, a skeleton picked clean by time and the gentle currents. Sunlight filters easily, illuminating the hull's contours and the scattered debris. We love how the light plays on the metal, highlighting the texture of the rust and the way kelp fronds sway in the surge. You'll find schools of small fish darting in and out of the twisted metal plates, their scales catching the light. We’ve spotted crabs scuttling amongst the growth, and on calmer days, the water is still enough to really appreciate the details of the deck structure. It's a surprisingly peaceful place, even with the proximity to shore. Our favourite way to dive it is a slow, methodical exploration, really soaking up the atmosphere. Just watch for boat traffic if you're venturing out too far from the wreck itself.