ANTON SCHMIDT (POSSIBLY)
Protected Area
Dyngeneset
Why dive here
ANTON SCHMIDT (POSSIBLY) is a wreck dive in Lofoten Islands, Norway.
Dropping onto the Anton Schmidt, it’s not just a wreck dive, it’s a dive into a moment of history, cold and dark. This German destroyer went down in the First Battle of Narvik in 1940, and you feel that history in the silence. We love how the visibility in the often-chilly Norwegian waters can really open up the scale of this 117-meter vessel. You’re not just seeing sections; you’re seeing a whole ship, resting upright at 22 meters. As you descend, the sheer size of the hull emerges from the green gloom, often shrouded in schooling saithe. Look for the bow section, still relatively intact, and we’ve found the bridge area particularly atmospheric. It’s been down there a long time, so don't expect pristine ship fittings, but the structural integrity is impressive. The current can be a factor, so time your dive for slack tide. It’s a dive for those who appreciate maritime history and don’t mind a bit of a chill; the reward is a truly imposing wreck.
Typical ANTON SCHMIDT (POSSIBLY) Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Depth of 22m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
ANTON SCHMIDT (POSSIBLY) Wreck History
Year Sunk
1940
Vessel Type
warship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
3,415 tonnes (deep load)
The Z22 Anton Schmitt was a modern German destroyer that met a violent end during the invasion of Norway in World War II. As part of the task force sent to secure Narvik, she was among ten German destroyers that successfully landed mountain troops on April 9, 1940. The flotilla's sense of security was shattered the very next day when the Royal Navy launched a surprise counter-attack, initiating the fierce First Battle of Narvik.
Caught in the ensuing chaos, the Anton Schmitt was hit by two torpedoes from the British destroyer HMS Hunter. The impacts were catastrophic, breaking the ship's keel and sending her to the bottom of the fjord in minutes. The wreck now lies in two distinct sections, a testament to the explosive force that tore her apart. The loss was a significant blow to the Kriegsmarine's destroyer force during the crucial Norwegian Campaign.
Today, the wreck widely believed to be the Anton Schmitt rests at a depth of 22 meters in the cold, clear waters of the Narvik fjord. Its accessible depth makes it one of the most popular wreck dives in the region. The bow and stern sections lie separated on the seabed, allowing divers to explore the ship's deck guns, torpedo tubes, and twisted superstructure. As a designated war grave, the site must be dived with the utmost respect. The 'Dangerous' classification is a reminder of the potential for unexploded ordnance, demanding caution from all who visit this powerful piece of WWII history.
Reviews for ANTON SCHMIDT (POSSIBLY)
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ANTON SCHMIDT (POSSIBLY)
ANTON SCHMIDT (POSSIBLY) Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ANTON SCHMIDT (POSSIBLY), sourced from NOAA buoy data - nearest station: Open-Meteo grid (60.66, 8.44) (0km away)
August Averages
Air Temperature
9.82°C
50°F
Wind Speed
3.87 m/s
7.5 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1011.9 hPa
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC
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