BIRGIT THOR - North Sea Coast

The Birgit Thor is one of our favourite North Sea wrecks, a cargo vessel that went down in a storm back in '78. She sits upright at 21 metres, and you can really feel the history as you descend. It's a proper wreck dive, with a lot to poke around in, especially if you're comfortable with a bit of overhead. We love finning through the open holds, watching the light shaft down, and seeing the huge schools of cod and pollock that have made her home. The stern section is particularly interesting, with a fair amount of her superstructure still intact. You'll often find conger eels peering out from nooks and crannies. We'd suggest going on a calm day, as the North Sea can kick up a fuss, and a bit of current can really churn things up here. Visibility averages 5-10 metres, but on a good day, it can be even better, giving you a real sense of her scale. It's a great dive for those who appreciate a solid piece of maritime history and don't mind a bit of a chill.

Location
North Sea Coast, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
56.032665, 11.168667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
21m

Wreck History - BIRGIT THOR

Year Sunk
1978
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
storm

The BIRGIT THOR was a workhorse of the Danish coast, a motor vessel plying its trade between local ports. Its final journey began as a routine passage from Vejle to Frederiksværk, but it would end in a battle against the infamous fury of the North Sea. On October 5, 1978, the ship was caught in a severe storm. Battered by relentless waves, it began taking on water. The crew, facing a losing fight, made the difficult decision to abandon their vessel, and the BIRGIT THOR was left to the mercy of the sea, eventually succumbing and sinking to the seabed.

Today, the wreck of the BIRGIT THOR rests at a depth of 21 meters, making it a fantastic and accessible site for certified recreational divers. The North Sea conditions can be challenging, with currents and variable visibility, but the reward is a visit to a complete shipwreck with a dramatic story. Divers can explore the vessel's structure, now a thriving artificial reef for cod, crabs, and colorful anemones. It serves as a powerful reminder of the unforgiving nature of the sea and a fascinating underwater time capsule from the late 1970s.

Marine Protected Area: L

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 BIRGIT THOR

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 BIRGIT THOR

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