About – Optimala Dyk

We map, dive and document wrecks – so that history is not forgotten

Optimala Dyk is a project for wreck exploration, diving and documentation with a focus on our maritime history.

Over 20 years of wreck searching

Since 2004, we have searched for, located, dived on and documented wrecks – primarily along the Swedish west coast, Öresund and the southern Baltic Sea.

For us, wreck diving is a way to get close to history – and knowledge that we are happy to share with others. That’s why this website exists, and we have also held a few lectures on the subject. Over the years, there have also been some radio programs and various newspaper articles.

Why we do it

Wreck diving gives us the opportunity to get close to history – in places where time has in many ways stood still. Several of the wrecks lying on the sea bed are real museums, not much has happened on the site since they were sunk. To dive on wrecks which lie a little deeper feels even more exciting since less divers had the opportunity to reach them.

On the seabed, there are still traces of ships, people and events that have shaped our history. But the wrecks are changing and slowly breaking down.

Before history disappears

Our goal is to document as many of these wrecks as possible before they disappear, so that their stories can be told. Through historical research, wreck hunting, diving, photography and film, we try to preserve as much as possible of what is otherwise at risk of disappearing.

Mapping

We search for history and find wrecks.

Through historical sources, charts, archives, sonar and other methods, we search for ships that have disappeared and wrecks that are not yet identified or documented.

Diving

We go down to the wrecks and examine them on site.

Through diving, we investigate the wreck’s condition, construction and surroundings. We photograph, film and document what we find – and try to create as clear a picture as possible of what remains on the bottom.

Cooperates

We believe that knowledge is better when shared.

We collaborate with other divers, historians, associations and people with knowledge of ships, shipping and local history. By sharing information and experiences, we can together create a better picture of what is on the seabed.