NBM Dive Site Resource
U-3503 — Gothenburg historical salvage site
Gothenburg archipelago, Västra Götaland, Sweden
Swedish Navy divers prepared U-3503 for recovery after it was scuttled in 1945. The navy raised the hull on August 24, 1946. It was subsequently scrapped.
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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
The Gothenburg archipelago provides orientation for the 1946 salvage operation. The recovered hull was later scrapped.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
The Swedish Diving History Society describes the navy’s salvage operation, the divers’ work on the hull and the August 1946 recovery.
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
- Type XXI submarine
- Year built
- 1944 (commissioned)
- Year sunk
- 1945
- Cause of loss
- Scuttled west of Gothenburg on 8 May 1945; recovered by the Swedish Navy in 1946 and later scrapped.
- Present condition
- The Swedish Navy removed the hull in 1946. The submarine was subsequently scrapped.
Before you arrive
Access notes
Historical salvage research. The hull was raised and later scrapped. The map shows the surrounding region.
Plan within your training
Conditions and hazards
Historical salvage area in the Gothenburg archipelago.
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.