BUS 104 - North Sea Coast

BUS 104 isn’t your typical Danish wreck dive, and that’s precisely why we love it. Sunk by a mine in 1953, this drifter vessel lies in a mere four metres of water, making it a fantastic, chill dive when the conditions are calm. You’ll fin down, and suddenly, the hull appears, surprisingly intact for a wreck that met such a violent end. We particularly enjoy how the light filters through the shallow water, illuminating the wreck’s details, like the remnants of the wheelhouse and the scattered plates. It’s not about big pelagics here, but rather the small, fascinating life that has made the BUS 104 its home. Look closely in the nooks and crannies for blennies peering out, or the occasional crab scuttling across the seabed. On a quiet day, with good visibility, it feels like you've stumbled upon a sunken time capsule. This spot is our pick for a relaxing second dive or for divers who enjoy photographing macro life against a historical backdrop. Keep an eye on the current though; it can pick up quickly.

Location
North Sea Coast, Denmark, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
54.207500, 8.575000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

Wreck History - BUS 104

Year Sunk
1953
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

The wreck of the BUS 104 is a somber reminder of the lingering dangers of war, long after the fighting has ceased. This Danish drifter, a hardworking fishing vessel, met its tragic end on April 18, 1953, when it struck a mine left over from World War II. The explosion sent the small ship to the bottom, a casualty of a conflict that had officially ended years earlier. Its sinking is a poignant entry in the post-war mine casualty logs.

Resting in just 4 meters of water off the North Sea coast of Denmark, the BUS 104 is a fascinating and accessible shallow dive. Classified as a dangerous wreck, divers should approach with care, but the site offers a unique glimpse into the past. Exploring the remains of this simple fishing boat provides a powerful connection to the human cost of conflict and the surprising resilience of the sea, as marine life now thrives where tragedy once struck.

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 BUS 104

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 BUS 104

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