ALLIANCE H 156 - North Sea Coast

The *Alliance H 156* isn't your typical North Sea wreck. For starters, she’s largely intact, sitting upright in 22 metres of water. We love a wreck with a story, and this fishing vessel, sunk during WWII in 1942, certainly has one. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the sheer scale. Her bow points east, a dark silhouette against the often-murky green water. We found her wheelhouse remarkably preserved, a real step back in time. You can peer through the windows, imagining the crew’s final moments. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the propeller still sits proud, almost inviting a closer look. The wreck itself has become a haven. Schools of cod drift lazily through the interior, and we’ve seen some enormous ling tucked into crevices. The deck is carpeted with anemones and dead man’s fingers, adding splashes of colour to the metal. Visibility here can be tricky, so we always suggest picking a day with calm seas and diving on a slack tide for the best experience. It's a site that rewards multiple dives, revealing new details each time. If you enjoy exploring historical wrecks with a good degree of penetration potential, this one is for you.

Location
North Sea Coast, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
56.188330, 12.283333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
22m

Wreck History - ALLIANCE H 156

Year Sunk
1942
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

The fishing vessel Alliance H 156 met its end on November 26, 1942. While the specific cause of her sinking is not recorded, her loss during the height of World War II in the heavily patrolled North Sea points towards a wartime casualty. Fishing crews during this period faced immense danger, with their vessels often becoming targets of opportunity for submarines, aircraft, or striking one of the thousands of mines that littered the sea lanes. The Alliance H 156 is a silent monument to the civilian seafarers who risked, and often lost, their lives during the conflict.

Resting at a depth of 22 meters, this wreck is an accessible piece of history. Divers visiting the site are exploring a time capsule from one of the world's darkest periods. After more than 80 years on the seabed, the wooden elements of the hull have likely rotted away, leaving behind the more resilient engine, machinery, and scattered metallic components. The site is now a vibrant reef, attracting a variety of North Sea marine life. The designation as a "Dangerous Wreck" serves as a warning that nets or sharp, decaying structures may be present, requiring a careful and respectful exploration.

Marine Protected Area: Gilleleje Flak og Tragten

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 ALLIANCE H 156

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 ALLIANCE H 156

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