CAPITAINE LOUIS MALBERT - West Coast (Gothenburg)

The Capitaine Louis Malbert, sunk in 1963 after a dense fog collision, is a proper ship. Not just a pile of plates. She sits upright in 52 metres, her stern broken, but otherwise remarkably intact for a vessel of her age and circumstances. We love descending onto that bow, seeing the anchor chains still running out, before pushing along the long main deck. The sheer scale of her, 115 metres from stem to stern, means you’ll need several dives to really take her in. Below 40 metres, the light really starts to fade, and the wreck’s imposing structure feels even more dramatic. Look for the massive propeller, it’s still there and quite a sight. Inside the holds, you'll often find ling and cod lurking in the shadows, and we’ve seen some decent-sized conger eels here too. Visibility can be a real lottery, from a murky few metres to a spectacular 20, so pick your weather window carefully. This is definitely one for experienced divers, comfortable with decompression and deep, cold water.

Location
West Coast (Gothenburg), Sweden, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.039500, 12.000333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
52m

Wreck History - CAPITAINE LOUIS MALBERT

Year Sunk
1963
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
collision

The steamship "Capitaine Louis Malbert" was a product of the British shipbuilding boom, constructed in 1930 by W. Pickersgill & Sons in Sunderland. For over three decades, she plied the seas, a workhorse of maritime commerce. Her career came to an abrupt end on December 30, 1963, while on passage from Hartlepool, UK, to Aarhus, Denmark. In the cold, dark waters off the coast of Sweden, she was involved in a fatal collision and sank beneath the waves.

Today, the Capitaine Louis Malbert is a premier technical diving site near Gothenburg, resting at a challenging depth of 52 meters. This depth has kept her remarkably well-preserved, sitting upright on the seabed as if still sailing. The dive is a serious undertaking, requiring trimix and decompression procedures, but the reward is immense. Technical divers can explore a largely intact steamship from a bygone era, with opportunities to see the bridge, cargo holds, and superstructure, all draped in the cold, dark, and silent majesty of the deep sea.

Marine Protected Area: Lilla Middelgrund

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 CAPITAINE LOUIS MALBERT

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 CAPITAINE LOUIS MALBERT

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the 'Capitaine Louis Malbert' dive site?
The maximum depth of the Capitaine Louis Malbert dive site is 52 meters. This makes it a dive suitable for experienced divers.
What can divers expect to see when exploring the 'Capitaine Louis Malbert' wreck?
Divers exploring the Capitaine Louis Malbert can expect to see a substantial steam ship vessel, measuring 115.8m x 15.5m. This impressive wreck, built in 1930 and sunk in 1963, offers a glimpse into maritime history. It is classified as a non-dangerous wreck, providing a unique exploration opportunity.
What is the difficulty level of diving the 'Capitaine Louis Malbert' wreck, especially regarding wreck penetration?
The Capitaine Louis Malbert wreck is classified with an intermediate difficulty level. While the wreck itself is deemed non-dangerous, any wreck penetration should only be attempted by divers with appropriate training and experience. Always prioritize safety and proper equipment when exploring overhead environments.
What is the best time of year to dive the 'Capitaine Louis Malbert' for optimal conditions?
Based on the provided data, there is no specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the Capitaine Louis Malbert dive site. Divers interested in seasonal conditions should consult local dive operators or refer to general when to dive resources for the Sweden West Coast.
What specific diving certifications are required to dive the 'Capitaine Louis Malbert' due to its depth?
Given the maximum depth of 52 meters for the Capitaine Louis Malbert, divers would typically require advanced certifications such as PADI Deep Diver or equivalent technical diving qualifications. An intermediate difficulty rating also suggests that divers should possess solid experience in challenging conditions. Always ensure your certification level matches the demands of the dive.
What are the typical currents, visibility, and water temperature conditions at the 'Capitaine Louis Malbert' dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical currents, visibility, or water temperature conditions at the Capitaine Louis Malbert dive site. Divers planning a trip to the Sweden West Coast should consult local dive centers for up-to-date environmental details.