BRITANIC - North Sea Coast

The *Britanic* might only be 9m deep, but don't let that fool you. This isn't some quick dip. What makes it special, for us anyway, is the sheer size of the wreck and how intact it still feels in places. We’re talking about a steamship that went down in 1917, and even now, you can still get a real sense of its former glory. It’s completely colonised, of course. Big schools of cod drift in and out of the holds, and the metalwork is draped in anemones, creating these colourful carpets of life. Our favourite spot is usually around the bow, where the structure is a bit more defined. You can poke around the remains of the bridge, imagining what it must have been like to stand there. Visibility here can be a bit variable, typical for the North Sea, so we always suggest picking a calm day with minimal surge. It’s a site that suits divers who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a treasure hunt feeling, rather than just spotting big pelagics.

Location
North Sea Coast, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
56.901417, 10.501027
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
9m

Wreck History - BRITANIC

Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

Lying in the shallow waters of the North Sea off Denmark, the steamship Britannic is an accessible and intriguing dive. It's important for divers to note that this is not the famous HMHS Britannic, sister ship to the Titanic, which sank in the Aegean Sea. The history of this particular Danish wreck is more obscure, offering a sense of mystery for those who explore its remains.

Resting at just 9 meters, the site is perfect for novice wreck divers or those on their first dives of the season. The shallow depth allows for long, relaxed bottom times and excellent light penetration on clear days. While the vessel is broken up after years in the dynamic North Sea environment, divers can still trace the outline of the ship and discover sections of machinery and hull plating, now colonized by the local marine life.

Marine Protected Area: P

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 BRITANIC

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 BRITANIC

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