ALRUNE - North Sea Coast

The Alrune isn't a deep dive, sitting at just 8 meters, but what it lacks in depth it more than makes up for in character. This old fishing vessel, sunk back in 1943, feels like a proper piece of history down there. We love the way the North Sea has claimed it, turning the timbers into a rough canvas for the local critters. You'll spend your time here picking through the collapsed hull, imagining the life it had. We often find lumpsuckers tucked into the crevices, their camouflage almost perfect against the barnacled wood. Conger eels are a common sight, peering out from deeper sections, and the current brings in schools of cod and pollock, swirling around the masts that still reach towards the surface. It’s a dive for those who appreciate wrecks with a story, not just perfect visibility. Visibility can be hit or miss, so check local reports, but even on a murkier day, the Alrune has a certain atmospheric charm. Go on a slack tide, if you can, to really take your time exploring.

Location
North Sea Coast, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.433334, 9.700000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Wreck History - ALRUNE

Year Sunk
1943
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

The Alrune was a Danish fishing vessel that was lost to the sea on June 10, 1943. While the official cause of its sinking is unknown, its final voyage took place in the midst of World War II, when the Danish coast was a perilous place. The North Sea was heavily mined by both Allied and Axis forces, and any vessel, military or civilian, risked a fatal encounter. The Alrune may have been a victim of a mine, an attack, or simply the notoriously rough North Sea weather that has claimed countless ships over the centuries.

Lying at a depth of just 8 meters, the Alrune is a fantastic and highly accessible wreck for novice divers or those on a second dive of the day. Its designation as a 'dangerous wreck' indicates it is likely broken up, with sharp edges that require caution. However, this also creates countless nooks and crannies for marine life to shelter in. Divers can explore the remains of this piece of wartime history, now a thriving artificial reef for the cold-water species of the North Sea, and ponder the fate of the crew on that fateful day in 1943.

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 ALRUNE

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 ALRUNE

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