ANNA VAN CHENZ - North Sea Coast

The Anna van Chenz isn’t a grand freighter, but this Danish lighter vessel, sunk deliberately in 1968, offers a surprisingly engaging dive. At just 10 metres, it's shallow, meaning long bottom times and plenty of light even on an overcast day. We love how the wreck is broken, spread across the sandy seabed in distinct sections – a bow here, a stern piece there, and scattered debris in between. It feels like an archaeological dig, discovering new pieces as you fan out. You'll find flatfish tucked into the sand, and the metal framework provides shelter for small crabs and the occasional cod. Visibility can be a bit variable here, but on a good day, the light filters down, illuminating the dark metal against the pale sand. It’s a site that really rewards a slow, methodical exploration, poking into every crevice. Our pick for an afternoon dive, especially if the current is light.

Location
North Sea Coast, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.085000, 11.490000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Wreck History - ANNA VAN CHENZ

Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown

Lying in just 10 meters of water off the North Sea coast of Denmark, the wreck of the *Anna van Chenz* is an accessible but mysterious site. Very little is known about the history of this lighter vessel or the circumstances of its sinking. Its classification as a 'dangerous wreck' suggests it lies in a busy shipping area or is broken up in a way that poses a hazard to surface vessels. For divers, this means a shallow exploration of a utilitarian craft. Expect to find scattered plating and structural ribs partially buried in the sand. The shallow depth allows for long bottom times and makes it an excellent dive for novices or a second dive of the day, with the potential for rich marine life taking shelter in the wreckage.

Marine Protected Area: Kirkegrund

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 ANNA VAN CHENZ

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 ANNA VAN CHENZ

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