BIRTHE
Protected Area
2025774 Rön, Röns skär, Röns huvud
Why dive here
With 121+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, orcas and seals & sea lions - BIRTHE offers some of West Coast (Gothenburg)'s richest wreck diving. Water ranges 3-18°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Birthe, a fishing vessel that went down after a tangle with the tanker Helle Wonsild, sits at 26 meters, perfectly upright and surprisingly intact. We love how the wheelhouse is still there, allowing a peek inside – a real step back into its working life. Exploring the deck, you’ll find plenty of nooks and crannies where small crabs scuttle and goby dart amongst the growth. The hold is open too, a shadowy space that always feels a little eerie, but often has some interesting fish sheltering within. It’s a site that suits divers who appreciate a wreck with a story, offering enough penetration for those who like to poke around, but plenty to see just by circling the exterior. Visibility here can vary, so we'd suggest picking a calm day to really soak in the details.
Typical BIRTHE 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 26m - 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 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
BIRTHE Wreck History
Year Sunk
1999
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
collision
The story of the fishing vessel Birthe is a dramatic and relatively recent one. On November 13, 1999, while navigating the waters off the west coast of Sweden, the small fishing boat was involved in a catastrophic collision with the much larger tanker, Helle Wonsild. The impact was severe, and the Birthe sank quickly, leaving a tragic mark on the local maritime community. The wreck now serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of busy shipping lanes.
Today, the Birthe rests at a depth of 26 meters, placing it within reach of advanced recreational divers. However, it is classified as a dangerous wreck for good reason. The collision inflicted massive damage to the hull, creating a twisted structure of sharp metal. Furthermore, abandoned fishing nets are draped across the vessel, posing a significant entanglement hazard. Divers who are properly equipped and trained for wreck penetration and hazard management will find an intriguing, albeit somber, dive site that tells a very clear story of its final moments.
Reviews for BIRTHE
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BIRTHE
BIRTHE Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BIRTHE, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (57.57, 11.03) (3km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
13°C
56°F · Range: 10.6–15.8°C
Air Temperature
10°C
50°F
Wind Speed
6.56 m/s
12.8 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1010.2 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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