About Revisions DS Frankenwald aka DS Frankenvald Norway More Info Max Depth: 121-130ft/37-40m Entry Type: Boat Bottom Composition: Rock Aquatic Life: Might See Something Spring: Under 50°F/10°C Summer: Under 50°F/10°C Fall: Under 50°F/10°C Winter: Under 50°F/10°C 1/23/2013 11:19 AM LatitudeAdjustment 1/23/2013 10:45 AM LatitudeAdjustment 1/23/2013 10:03 AM LatitudeAdjustment

From SportDiver Planet’s 50 Greatest Dives, #46, A simple navigational error likely caused this German steamship to run straight into the island of Brattholmen in 1940. Though it’s a little off the beaten track, the Frankenwald is well worth seeking out. Almost entirely intact, it’s tucked into a narrow fjord, which provides enough shelter for it to be dived in most conditions. Visibility is usually excellent, although the depth and the latitude mean that it can be quite dark. Frankenwald sits in 130 feet of cold water, best suited for exploration over several dives and by experienced divers. — AM

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YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrGsx7ZFPfw

Divemagazine UK For me, the Frankenwald is one of the best temperate-water wrecks in the world. Details behind the sinking of the 126m-long ship – on 6 January 1940 – are sketchy, but it seems that a navigation error led the German-commanded vessel to be driven right into the island of Brattholmen. Emergency signals were picked up in Bergen and fishing vessels went to the rescue of the crew, who had already taken to the lifeboats. After the war the propeller was salvaged, and the Frankenwald is now one of Norway’s most popular dive sites.

The wreck lies mostly intact and upright at a maximum depth of 45m, with the rest of the structure in shallower water, leading to the top of the mast at just 7m. The latter is festooned with multi-coloured anemones, creating a fantastic sight for those who look upwards on this dive. It also provides a descent and ascent route, as well as acting as a decompression station.

Most of the deck level can be found at a depth of 30m, so the dive is eminently suitable for nitrox. Along the deck, I found winches and machinery, all in remarkably good condition, as were the various gangways, companionways, stairways and handrails. The holds are spacious and open, making it a relatively easy wreck to penetrate. Still, care should be taken not to disturb the silt, which can reduce visibility dramatically. An emergency steering wheel are still in place above the rudder, towards the stern of the ship, proof that Norwegian divers have been happy to visit the wreck without taking souvenirs.