101 (POSSIBLY) - North Sea Coast

The 101, or as we like to call it, the ‘Possibility Wreck’ – because every dive here feels like an unearthing – is a blockship scuttled by the Germans in 1940. It’s sitting upright at 20 metres, a dark, hulking shape on the seabed, and honestly, it’s one of our favourite North Sea dives when the conditions align. You’re not getting vibrant coral here, but the sheer history is palpable, the steel beams and plates slowly succumbing to the cold water. We love how the resident cod and pollock weave through the superstructure, sometimes so many you’re finning through a wall of fish. It’s a proper penetration dive for those with the training – the cargo holds are surprisingly intact, offering dark, silty chambers to explore, just be mindful of the overhead environment. For those who prefer to stay outside, the bow and stern are fantastic for photography, especially when the light filters down through the murky green water, highlighting the anemones that have started to carpet the metal. Bring a powerful torch; it’s always darker than you expect down there, but that just adds to the atmosphere. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and the rugged beauty of a Northern European site.

Location
North Sea Coast, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.521000, 9.743834
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

Wreck History - 101 (POSSIBLY)

Year Sunk
1940
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
scuttled

This unidentified vessel is a silent relic of a desperate time in world history. On May 6, 1940, during the initial stages of the German invasion of Denmark in World War II, this ship was deliberately sunk as a blockship. Its purpose was not to engage in combat, but to be sacrificed-scuttled in a strategic channel to obstruct the passage of enemy naval forces. Its identity remains uncertain, designated simply as wreck '101,' a testament to the chaotic and often unrecorded events of the war.

Today, the wreck lies at a depth of 20 meters (65 feet) in the cold, murky waters of the North Sea. It is classified as a 'dangerous wreck,' meaning divers should exercise extreme caution due to potential hazards like sharp, corroded metal, entanglement risks, and the possibility of unexploded ordnance. For the experienced and well-prepared wreck diver, it offers a poignant glimpse into the past. The vessel's decaying structure, now home to North Sea marine life, serves as a stark reminder of the strategic sacrifices made during the Second World War.

Marine Protected Area: T

Best Time to Dive in North Sea Coast

The warmest water temperatures in North Sea Coast occur in January, averaging 4.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 4.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 4.6°C (air: 3.3°C)
  • February: 4.6°C (air: 3.6°C)
  • March: 4.6°C (air: 4.1°C)
  • April: 4.6°C (air: 6.7°C)
  • May: 4.6°C (air: 11.2°C)
  • June: 4.6°C (air: 15.4°C)
  • July: 4.6°C (air: 16.2°C)
  • August: 4.6°C (air: 16.7°C)
  • September: 4.6°C (air: 14.7°C)
  • October: 4.6°C (air: 10.8°C)
  • November: 4.6°C (air: 6.9°C)
  • December: 4.6°C (air: 3.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in North Sea Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to 101 (POSSIBLY)

Marine Life in North Sea Coast

Home to 105 recorded species including 55 reef fish, 9 crabs & lobsters, 8 other, 7 clams & mussels, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs, 5 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for 101 (POSSIBLY)

Based on average water temperature of 4.6°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 5°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