NBM Dive Site Resource
SM UB-20 — Zeebrugge heritage wreck
Ostend and Zeebrugge, Belgian coast, Belgian North Sea offshore, Belgium
UB-20 was lost on a trial with its crew and civilian and military passengers aboard; archaeological records describe two separated hull sections.
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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
UB-20 was lost on a trial with its crew and civilian and military passengers aboard; archaeological records describe two separated hull sections.
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 UB II submarine
- Year built
- 1915 (launched)
- Year sunk
- 1917
- Cause of loss
- Struck a mine during a trial voyage off Zeebrugge on 28 July 1917.
- Present condition
- Two submarine hull sections approximately four metres apart, documented in the MaSS archaeological record.
- Penetration guidance
- External historical context only; no authorization for penetration, recovery or disturbance.
Before you arrive
Access notes
The Cultural Heritage Agency’s MaSS record gives a 28 m seabed and two sections approximately four metres apart. Belgian heritage requirements and current local access must be checked. 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.