ACTIVE - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The *Active* in Scapa Flow isn't just another wreck; it's a piece of raw history, resting upright at 42 metres. We love how intact she remains, a substantial trawler, torpedoed by German aircraft in 1939. Dropping down, you start to make out the ghostly outline, gradually resolving into deck gear, winches, and the superstructure still largely in place. Exploring her feels like stepping back in time, with the vast, dark water pressing in around you. Our favourite part is the penetration into the wheelhouse, if conditions allow, where you can still feel the palpable sense of its last moments. It's a proper wreck dive, perfect for those comfortable with deeper sites and the chill of northern waters. You’ll see plenty of squat lobsters tucked into every crevice, and plumose anemones bloom from the steelwork, adding splashes of white against the rust. Keep an eye out for curious dogfish cruising the perimeter. This is a dive for history buffs and wreck enthusiasts who appreciate a sombre, atmospheric experience.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.242992, -2.724939
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
42m

Wreck History - ACTIVE

Year Sunk
1939
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
torpedo

The Active was a humble trawler caught in the crossfire of a global conflict. In the early months of World War II, the legendary naval anchorage of Scapa Flow was a primary target for German forces. On December 18, 1939, while operating in these historic waters, the Active was attacked by a German aircraft. A torpedo found its mark, and the vessel was sent to the bottom of the flow, becoming one of its many wartime casualties.

Today, the Active rests in 42 meters of water, making it a challenging and rewarding dive for experienced, tech-certified divers. Descending through the cool, dark waters of Scapa Flow, divers will find the wreck of the trawler. Given the depth, bottom times are short, but the wreck offers a poignant glimpse into the wartime history that defines this incredible dive location. It is a smaller, more intimate wreck compared to the scuttled German High Seas Fleet, but no less significant.

Marine Protected Area: Long Berry Coast

Best Time to Dive in Scapa Flow, Orkney

The warmest water temperatures in Scapa Flow, Orkney occur in January, averaging 8.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.4°C (air: 5.5°C)
  • February: 8.4°C (air: 5.3°C)
  • March: 8.4°C (air: 5.9°C)
  • April: 8.4°C (air: 6.8°C)
  • May: 8.4°C (air: 9.7°C)
  • June: 8.4°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • July: 8.4°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • August: 8.4°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • September: 8.4°C (air: 12.7°C)
  • October: 8.4°C (air: 10.2°C)
  • November: 8.4°C (air: 8.0°C)
  • December: 8.4°C (air: 5.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Nearest Dive Centres to ACTIVE

Marine Life in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Home to 155 recorded species including 63 reef fish, 17 whales & dolphins, 12 sharks & rays, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ACTIVE

Based on average water temperature of 8.4°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 8°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories