Steel motor tanker · 1975–1993 · Shetland, United Kingdom
The grounding of the Braer in 1993 led to significant changes in maritime safety regulations. The incident highlighted the risks of using older, single-hulled tankers and resulted in stricter monitoring and emergency response measures for vessels in the Fair Isle Channel.
The Braer, built by Oshima Shipbuilding Company in 1975, ran aground at Garths Ness, Shetland, due to engine failure caused by seawater contamination of her diesel fuel. Despite carrying 85,000 tonnes of crude oil, the environmental impact was less severe than feared, as strong winds and waves dispersed the oil. The wreck now lies scattered in shallow waters, with remnants like her anchor and engine visible.
Diving conditions are challenging due to silt and collapsing structures, and the site is exposed to the elements, making it hazardous for exploration.
6 of 7 facts above are cited in Sources below.
Built 1975 by Oshima Shipbuilding Company in Nagasaki; 18 years in service. Lost 1993, grounding.
A reference and a starting point, not a dive plan. Plan any dive with a local professional who knows the site and the conditions on the day.
No published depth has been found for this wreck.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water temp | 8.2° | 7.5° | 7.1° | 7.4° | 8.6° | 10.5° | 12.3° | 12.8° | 12.2° | 11.3° | 10.4° | 9.2° |
| Visibility | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Braer is a steel motor tanker wreck located off Shetland, United Kingdom. The vessel was lost due to grounding in 1993. The wreck is diveable.
Braer ran aground on 1993, off Shetland, United Kingdom. 0 people lost their lives.
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A further 3 fields were derived from the wreck’s recorded position rather than taken from a source.