NBM Dive Site Resource
SM U-97 — attributed wreck
Den Helder offshore, Dutch North Sea offshore, Netherlands
Dutch diving records describe a submarine wreck visited under the working name U-97. The 2019 archaeological report explicitly questions that identification.
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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 overview includes nearby land. Historical loss positions are not verified navigation fixes; no precise wreck marker is inferred.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
Dutch diving records describe a submarine wreck visited under the working name U-97. The 2019 archaeological report explicitly questions that identification.
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 93 submarine
- Year built
- 1917 (launched)
- Year sunk
- 1918 (historical U-97 loss; wreck attribution qualified)
- Cause of loss
- Sank accidentally in the North Sea on 21 November 1918 while heading to surrender.
- Present condition
- Diver accounts describe an upright submarine with an exposed tower; current exposure and condition vary.
- Penetration guidance
- External historical context only; no authorization for penetration, recovery or disturbance.
Before you arrive
Access notes
Diver-visited submarine wreck known as U-97 / NL620. The 2019 archaeological report questions that identification; this record retains the uncertainty. 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 naval-grave 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.