NBM Dive Site Resource
U-281 (attributed wreck)
Northern Ireland offshore disposal region, Offshore north-west Ireland, Ireland
An Atlantic Type VIIC disposed of during Operation Deadlight, associated in the dive literature with a wreck whose attribution developed during the survey. A documented technical wreck attributed to U-281 in the updated expedition report. Vessel identity remains an attribution; no historical loss coordinate is adopted as a precise wreck position.
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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 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
Type VIIC wreck with displaced bow tubes and damaged structure described by the dive team.
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 Type VIIC submarine
- Year built
- 1943 (launched)
- Year sunk
- 1945
- Cause of loss
- Surrendered in May 1945 and sunk during Operation Deadlight on 30 November 1945.
- Present condition
- Type VIIC wreck with displaced bow tubes and damaged structure described by the dive team.
- Penetration guidance
- External wreck context only. This record does not authorize penetration or artifact recovery.
Before you arrive
Access notes
A documented technical wreck attributed to U-281 in the updated expedition report. Vessel identity remains an attribution; no historical loss coordinate is adopted as a precise wreck position. Confirm current access, restrictions, weather, tidal windows and support before planning a visit.
Plan within your training
Conditions and hazards
Depth, decompression exposure, currents, sea conditions, fishing gear, damaged metal and fragile wreck structure. Respect any human remains and do not disturb 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.