BIRTHE - North Sea Coast

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.

Location
North Sea Coast, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
55.516050, 9.748734
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
37m

Wreck History - BIRTHE

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.

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 BIRTHE

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 BIRTHE

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