BERINA

Best months: Jul–Sep

Protected Area

Mannskjæret

Why dive here

BERINA is a wreck dive in Stavanger & Rogaland, Norway. Water ranges 4-17°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeJul–Sep

WetsuitA 7mm wetsuit with a hood

Water4-17°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 20m

The *Berina* offers a compelling look into a relatively recent bit of maritime history here in Norway. We love a wreck with a story, and this one, sinking in 1979 after a cargo shift, has a real sense of quiet drama about it. Lying at a comfortable 20 metres, she's perfect for divers who appreciate a well-preserved structure without needing extreme depth or technical skills. When you drop down, the *Berina* emerges from the green gloom, a substantial motor vessel that’s now thoroughly claimed by the local ecosystem. The wheelhouse is still largely intact, allowing for some careful penetration if you're comfortable with overhead environments. We’ve seen cod lurking in the shadows, and schools of pollock drift through the holds, their scales catching the ambient light. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs, too; they seem to favour the protected nooks and crannies. This isn't a deep blue Caribbean dive, it’s cold water wreck diving at its best – atmospheric and full of life that thrives in these northern latitudes. Our favourite time to visit is late summer; the visibility tends to be at its best then, and the light penetration really enhances the wreck’s character.

Typical BERINA 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 20m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Cold water this month (avg 14°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

Today06:5017:3110h 41m daylightGolden hour 16:36

BERINA Wreck History

Year Sunk

1979

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

storm

The MV Berina, formerly known as the WIK, was a modern motor vessel operating out of Bergen, Norway. In the summer of 1979, the ship found itself in a perilous situation that would prove to be its last. While at sea, the vessel was battered by rough conditions, causing its cargo to shift violently within the hold. This sudden, uncontrolled movement of weight caused a severe list, putting the ship in immediate danger of capsizing.

A rescue vessel was dispatched and managed to get the stricken Berina under tow, beginning a tense journey towards safety. The battle was ultimately lost. Just two miles southwest of the Stangholmen Lighthouse, the Berina's list became critical, and she slipped beneath the waves on August 15, 1979. The ship was declared a total constructive loss, leaving another wreck on the rugged Norwegian seabed.

Resting at an accessible depth of 20 meters, the Berina is a popular dive site in the Stavanger region. Unlike older, more skeletal wrecks, its relatively recent sinking means its structure is more recognizable as a ship. Divers can explore the vessel's deck, superstructure, and holds, picturing the dramatic final moments as rescuers fought to save her. The wreck is an excellent opportunity to witness how nature quickly colonizes man-made structures, with marine life now calling her steel plates home.