ANE MAGRETHE - North Sea Coast

The *Ane Margrethe* wreck sits in just two metres of water, a surprising dip into history right off the North Sea coast. We love this site for its sheer accessibility and the feeling of stepping back in time. You’re essentially snorkelling a piece of wartime history, a fishing vessel sunk by a mine in 1945. What you experience here is the hull of a small boat, broken but still quite recognisable, resting on the sandy bottom. Sunlight streams through the shallow water, illuminating the wreck and the small crabs scuttling over its plates. Schools of juvenile fish dart in and out of the crevices where the metal has buckled. It’s a gentle exploration, perfect for beginners, or experienced divers looking for something a bit different on a calm day. Our favourite part is spotting the occasional flatfish camouflaged against the sand right beside the wreck, almost part of it. We’d suggest a low tide for the best visibility, but honestly, even a slight ripple on the surface adds to the atmospheric quality of the dive. It’s not about grand corals here, it’s about touching history.

Location
North Sea Coast, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.433334, 8.300000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - ANE MAGRETHE

Year Sunk
1945
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
mine

The Ane Magrethe was a Danish fishing vessel that met a tragic end in the final months of World War II. On April 1, 1945, with the war in Europe nearing its conclusion, the waters of the North Sea remained a deadly, invisible battlefield. The sea was littered with mines laid over years of conflict, a constant danger to all shipping, military and civilian alike.

While engaged in its work off the Danish coast, the Ane Magrethe struck one of these submerged mines. The resulting explosion was catastrophic, sinking the vessel instantly. It serves as a somber reminder of the war's lasting impact and the indiscriminate nature of its hidden perils, claiming lives right up to the very end.

Lying in just 2 meters of water, the wreck is classified as dangerous, likely due to its shallow depth posing a hazard to navigation and the presence of sharp, twisted metal. For divers and snorkelers, this is a very shallow exploration of a historical site. The remains are scattered, a testament to the violent force of the explosion. It's a poignant dive, offering a direct connection to the maritime history of WWII in a location accessible to all levels of experience, conditions permitting.

Marine Protected Area: Vadehavet

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 ANE MAGRETHE

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 ANE MAGRETHE

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