NBM Dive Site Resource
SM U-5 — Zeebrugge
Zeebrugge offshore, West Flanders offshore, Belgium
Archaeologist Tomas Termote identified SM U-5 off Zeebrugge in 2023 from a marked exhaust component. VLIZ reports the diver-investigated wreck at about 12 m.
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Featured Hero 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 view includes nearby land for orientation. No precise wreck position is inferred from historical loss reports.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
Archaeologist Tomas Termote identified SM U-5 off Zeebrugge in 2023 from a marked exhaust component. VLIZ reports the diver-investigated wreck at about 12 m.
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
- German World War I Type U 5 submarine
- Year built
- 1910 (launched)
- Year sunk
- 1914
- Cause of loss
- Lost off the Belgian coast around 18 December 1914 with its crew; the exact loss mechanism remains uncertain.
- Present condition
- 2023 research describes a relatively well-preserved deck, tower and exhaust system; visibility is often extremely limited.
- Penetration guidance
- External historical context only; no authorization for penetration, recovery or disturbance.
Before you arrive
Access notes
Diver-investigated war-grave wreck identified in 2023 from an exhaust component marked U5. Busy approaches and very poor visibility demand specific local authorization and support. This record documents a wreck and its research history. It does not establish public charter availability or permission to visit. Confirm access with the responsible authorities and qualified local support; respect the site’s naval-heritage context.
Plan within your training
Conditions and hazards
Offshore weather and currents, depth and decompression exposure where applicable, low or changing visibility, entanglement, unstable or damaged metal and possible ordnance. Do not disturb remains or remove objects.
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.