WILHELM
Protected Area
Hatter Barn
Why dive here
With 95+ marine species recorded in the area - including seals & sea lions, sea turtles and jellyfish lake - WILHELM offers some of North Sea Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 3-19°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Wilhelm isn't just another wreck; it’s a portal to a specific moment in naval history, sitting in a relatively shallow 13 metres. We love how accessible it is, making it a proper afternoon adventure rather than a full-day expedition. You're diving on a piece of a German U-boat, specifically the U-20, which famously sank the RMS Lusitania. This U-boat was scuttled by its own crew in 1916, and what remains is a compelling, if fragmented, structure on the seabed. The main draw here is exploring the scattered remains of the conning tower and various hull sections. We’ve found the bow section to be the most dramatic, often silhouetted against the ambient light filtering through the North Sea's green embrace. Look closely and you’ll find flatfish tucked into the sandy patches, and often schools of cod and pollock patrolling the deeper sections of the wreck. It's a great spot for wreck enthusiasts who appreciate historical context over intact structures, and the shallow depth means generous bottom time for exploring the fragments. Just watch for the currents; they can pick up, so we’d suggest timing your dive for slack tide.
Typical WILHELM Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
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.
Reviews for WILHELM
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for WILHELM
WILHELM Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for WILHELM, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (55.31, 9.86) (1km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
13°C
56°F · Range: 10.7–16.8°C
Air Temperature
11°C
52°F
Wind Speed
7.69 m/s
14.9 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1010.5 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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