NBM Dive Site Resource
SM U-20 wreck remains — Vrist
Vrist / Vejlby Klit near Harboøre, Central Denmark Region, Denmark
The shallow remains of the World War I submarine SM U-20 off Vrist, documented and owned by Sea War Museum Jutland. Surviving lower-hull and machinery remains lie in shifting coastal sand.
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Historic Photograph
Aquatic life at this dive site
What divers may encounter
Three reviewed connections are featured here. Sightings vary by season, conditions, and chance, so they are never guaranteed.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Site media
Photographs
Three views rotate from the published gallery on each visit.
Contributor media
Dive videos
Three featured video positions are reserved on every profile.Regional location and nearby land
Location map
Regional overview includes the nearby coast for orientation. It does not establish a navigation waypoint or an entry location.Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Recent field observations
Diver-reported temperatures
Automatically checked observations from dives during the past 14 days. Three reports are visible at a time; scroll for more.A report that passes the automatic checks will appear here with the dive date, diver’s display name, and temperatures at each depth.
Reports are automatically checked for plausible dates, depths, and temperatures. They are observations, not forecasts; confirm conditions before diving.
Why divers know this place
Highlights
World War I U-boat remains associated with the 1915 sinking of Lusitania. The museum documents surviving lower-hull structure and two diesel engines.
Shipwreck-only module
The wreck
This section appears only on shipwreck records and brings the vessel, its loss, present condition, access, and responsible wreck-diving considerations into one place.
- Vessel type
- Imperial German Navy Type U 19 submarine
- Year built
- 1912 (launched); commissioned 1913
- Year sunk
- 1916
- Cause of loss
- Grounded on 4 November 1916; destroyed and later salvaged and blasted.
- Present condition
- Fragmented lower hull and machinery; exposure changes as coastal sand moves.
- Penetration guidance
- An exposed archaeological wreck-remains site, not an intact submarine interior.
- Protection or memorial status
- Wreck remains transferred to Sea War Museum Jutland in 2021. Respect ownership and archaeological material; obtain current access guidance.
Before you arrive
Access notes
Sea War Museum documents a buoy placed near the remains after receiving the wreck in 2021. Confirm current buoy position, visibility, sand cover, owner guidance, and permissible access before visiting; no maintained mooring or named shore entry is promised.
Plan within your training
Conditions and hazards
Breaking surf, surge, poor visibility, shifting sand, and sharp fragmented metal. Do not disturb wreck material or unfamiliar objects; the profile does not authorize penetration or recovery.
Independent resource notice
This record is a starting point for independent verification. Access, closures, moorings, weather, currents, depth, visibility, operator availability, and site conditions can change without notice. Confirm current information with the responsible operator, property owner, managing authority, or another qualified local source before planning or attempting a dive.