BIRTHE

Best months: Jul–Aug

Protected Area

Why dive here

With 95+ marine species recorded in the area - including seals & sea lions, sea turtles and jellyfish lake - BIRTHE offers some of North Sea Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 3-19°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Aug

WetsuitA 5mm wetsuit

Marine lifeSeals & Sea Lions, Sea Turtles and Jellyfish Lake · 95+ species recorded

Water3-19°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 37m

The Birthe wreck is a classic North Sea dive, a trawler that went down in '86 and has settled nicely upright on the seabed at 37 metres. We really love the way she’s been colonised, especially the wheelhouse, which is often swarming with cod. You’ll spend most of your time around the stern and midships, where the structure is still largely intact. Entry can be a bit of a mixed bag; it’s the North Sea, after all, so pick your weather window carefully. We’ve had some days with 15 metres of visibility, where the light filters down beautifully through the green water, and others where it’s a murky five. But even on those murkier days, the Birthe delivers. It's a proper adventure for advanced divers who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a chill; a 7mm semi-dry or a drysuit is a must here. Look for crabs nestled in the nooks and crannies, and don't be surprised to find a conger eel or two peeking out from beneath the decking.

Typical BIRTHE Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Deep dive (37m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

Today06:4317:3410h 50m daylightGolden hour 16:43

BIRTHE Wreck History

Year Sunk

1986

Vessel Type

fishing vessel

Cause

unknown

The cutter Birthe is one of the many wrecks that litter the floor of the formidable North Sea. This vessel went down on June 8, 1986, off the Danish coast for reasons that are not widely documented, becoming another silent resident of the deep. The challenging conditions of the North Sea, known for its strong currents and variable visibility, often mean that wrecks like the Birthe hold their secrets close.

Lying at 37 meters, this wreck is a fantastic dive for those with the appropriate training and experience in deeper, colder waters. The wreck of a cutter is a more intimate dive than a large freighter, allowing divers to take in the entire vessel in a single exploration. Depending on how she settled, divers might find her trawl gear, winches, and wheelhouse, all slowly being reclaimed by the sea. The marine life that congregates on these artificial reefs is often a highlight, with schools of fish and colourful anemones decorating the structure.