wreck

Log This Dive

MALENE SLOTO

The *Malene Sloto* is a wreck that really tells a story, and for us, that’s its biggest draw. Sunk back in ’85 after engine failure near Hesselo Island, it’s not some grandliner, but a manageable 50-meter carrier vessel sitting upright at 24 meters. We’ve found the narrative of its demise, caught by drifting ice and then grounded, really adds to the atmosphere when you’re down there. What we love about this wreck is how approachable it feels. It’s not a deep technical dive, but it’s still substantial enough to spend some serious bottom time exploring. The hull is largely intact, providing plenty of nooks and crannies to peer into. We often find schooling fish, like small cod and saithe, darting in and out of the cargo holds, and the metalwork is draped in soft corals, giving it a vibrant, if muted, colour palette. Our favourite part is often the stern, where the prop shaft housing is still visible, drawing the eye down to the seabed. Visibility in the North Sea can be a bit of a gamble, but on a good day, when the light penetrates, it's quite magical. This isn't a site for huge pelagics, but if you appreciate a wreck with character, and the subtle beauty of temperate marine life making a home out of human endeavour, the *Malene Sloto* is a fantastic choice. Just be prepared for potential currents; they can pick up, so check the local conditions.