BIRTHE - West Coast (Gothenburg)

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.

Location
West Coast (Gothenburg), Sweden, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.707150, 10.755517
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
26m

Wreck History - BIRTHE

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.

Marine Protected Area: 2025774 Rön, Röns skär, Röns huvud

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 BIRTHE

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 BIRTHE

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