BELLGROVE - West Coast (Gothenburg)

The Bellgrove, a steamer that ran aground in 1917, is one of those wrecks we find ourselves returning to time and again. It’s not just the history, though imagining its final moments in a storm is part of the draw. It’s the way the stern sits upright, a proper ghost ship silhouette rising from the seabed at 20 metres. We love dropping down and seeing the twin boilers, still so prominent, and the steering gear, which often has a decent-sized cod lurking nearby. Exploring the cargo holds feels like stepping back in time; the sheer volume of crockery and bottles scattered within is genuinely surprising. It’s a great site for divers who appreciate the tangible connection to the past, and it’s shallow enough that you get good bottom time for a thorough look around. Look out for the nudibranchs on the encrusted metalwork, and we’ve often seen schools of pollack hanging out around the superstructure. Our favourite part? The bow section, broken away but still impressive, usually has some decent light penetrating, making for some dramatic photographs. Just remember, it can get a bit silty inside the holds, so good buoyancy is key.

Location
West Coast (Gothenburg), Sweden, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.499702, 9.498476
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m

Wreck History - BELLGROVE

Year Sunk
1915
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
collision
Tonnage
2,075 GRT

The SS Bellgrove was a British steamship built in 1891. Her end came on a dark night, December 10, 1915, during the height of World War I. While navigating the waters off the Swedish coast near Gothenburg, she was involved in a head-on collision with another steamer, the SS Blenheim. The impact was catastrophic, and the Bellgrove quickly foundered and sank beneath the waves.

Lying at a manageable depth of 20 metres, the Bellgrove is a popular wreck dive on Sweden's west coast. The wreck is largely intact, sitting upright on the seabed, though time and the sea have taken their toll. Its classification as a 'Dangerous Wreck' often refers to its position in or near shipping lanes, so divers must be cautious of surface traffic. Underwater, the ship's structure offers a fascinating exploration, with open cargo holds and deck features now encrusted with marine life, providing a hauntingly beautiful dive into maritime history.

Best Time to Dive in West Coast (Gothenburg)

The warmest water temperatures in West Coast (Gothenburg) occur in January, averaging 1.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 1.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 1.9°C (air: 1.7°C)
  • February: 1.9°C (air: 1.9°C)
  • March: 1.9°C (air: 3.2°C)
  • April: 1.9°C (air: 6.3°C)
  • May: 1.9°C (air: 11.7°C)
  • June: 1.9°C (air: 16.3°C)
  • July: 1.9°C (air: 16.8°C)
  • August: 1.9°C (air: 16.8°C)
  • September: 1.9°C (air: 14.3°C)
  • October: 1.9°C (air: 10.0°C)
  • November: 1.9°C (air: 5.6°C)
  • December: 1.9°C (air: 1.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in West Coast (Gothenburg)

Nearest Dive Centres to BELLGROVE

Marine Life in West Coast (Gothenburg)

Home to 134 recorded species including 70 reef fish, 10 other, 9 whales & dolphins, 8 seagrass & algae, 8 clams & mussels, 7 sharks & rays.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for BELLGROVE

Based on average water temperature of 1.9°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 2°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