wreck

Log This Dive

FREDEN

Okay, look, a three-metre dive might sound like you’re just getting your mask wet, but Freden on Sweden’s West Coast is far more interesting than its shallow depth suggests. This isn’t a grand, intact vessel. Instead, you’re exploring the scattered remains of a fishing boat, designated ‘dangerous’ for a reason – it was likely dynamited years ago. What we love about Freden is exactly this fragmentation. You’re weaving through twisted metal plates, sections of hull, and bits of superstructure, all now completely colonised by the local ecosystem. It’s a puzzle, really, and finding distinct pieces of the original boat amidst the jumble is part of the fun. Despite the industrial feel of the metal, the life here is surprising. We often spot blennies peeking from crevices, small crabs scuttling over corroded steel, and the odd flatfish camouflaged against the sand around the debris. Visibility can be hit or miss, typical of the Baltic, but on a good day, the light plays beautifully through the shallow water, highlighting the texture of the growth on the wreck. This is a brilliant spot for photographers who enjoy macro and wide-angle shots of wreck details and the life they support. It suits divers who appreciate history and the subtle beauty of an artificial reef, rather than big pelagics. Our favourite time to dive it is early morning, before any boat traffic stirs up the sediment.