Wreck of MS Jan Heweliusz - Bornholm

The HMS Effingham off the Lofoten Islands is a proper wreck dive, not just a pile of scattered metal. We love a site with a bit of history you can actually feel, and this Hawkins-class heavy cruiser delivers. It’s sitting pretty upright, which makes for some incredible penetration dives if you’ve got the training and the right guide. Swim through the torpedo tubes, past the massive gun emplacements – you really get a sense of its scale. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the damage from its grounding in 1940 is still evident, a real testament to the power of the sea. What’s perhaps even more striking is how nature has reclaimed it. Atlantic cod cruise through the deeper sections, and we’ve spotted massive halibut lurking in the shadows, waiting for an easy meal. Look for bull rout clinging to the superstructure, their camouflage is excellent. The sheer cold adds to the atmosphere, a crisp bite even through a drysuit, but it also means the preservation is incredible. This site suits experienced divers comfortable with cold water, low visibility, and overhead environments. Go with a local operator who knows the currents; they can be tricky, especially around the exposed sections.

Location
Bornholm, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.600000, 14.216666
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: K - Strict

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 Wreck of MS Jan Heweliusz

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 Wreck of MS Jan Heweliusz

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