ALCORA (POSSIBLY) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Alcora, or what we believe to be the Alcora, holds a spot for us in Scapa Flow. It’s a good 40-metre dive, sitting upright and mostly intact on the seabed. Dropping down, you’ll find three massive boilers, still very much where they should be, and the triple-expansion engine. It’s a proper steamship, built in 1919, and the sheer scale of the engineering still impresses. We love the penetration opportunities here, if you’ve got the right training and experience. The holds are fairly open, revealing crates and bottles, hinting at its cargo. Visibility can be a bit variable, but on a good day, with the light filtering through the gloom, the wreck takes on a ghostly presence. Look out for the resident conger eels, they’re hefty here, and the soft corals that have started to bloom on the metalwork. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and don’t mind a bit of a deeper challenge.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.591423, -1.712816
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
40m

Wreck History - ALCORA (POSSIBLY)

Year Sunk
1940
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
storm
Tonnage
1,479 GRT

Lying in the historic waters of Scapa Flow, the SS Alcora tells a story not of combat, but of the immense logistical effort behind World War II. Built in 1919, the steamship was requisitioned by the Admiralty to serve as a blockship, one of many vessels intentionally sunk to protect the vital naval anchorage from U-boat attacks. However, the Alcora never fulfilled its intended mission. In a fierce gale on October 30, 1940, she broke from her moorings before she could be properly positioned and foundered, sinking to the seabed.

Today, the Alcora rests at a depth of 40 meters, making her a challenging dive reserved for experienced wreck explorers. The vessel lies on its side, largely intact, with its triple-expansion engine and large boilers providing a focal point for any dive plan. Visibility can be variable, adding to the atmospheric and sometimes eerie nature of the site. Exploring the Alcora is a journey back in time, offering a tangible connection to the wartime history of Scapa Flow.

Marine Protected Area: Loch of Strathbeg

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 ALCORA (POSSIBLY)

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 ALCORA (POSSIBLY)

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Alcora dive site in the Bahamas?
The Alcora wreck, located in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom, has a maximum depth of 40m. It is important to note that this specific dive site is not located in the Bahamas.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see when exploring the Alcora freighter?
When exploring the Alcora wreck, divers can expect to see the remains of a steam ship vessel, measuring 82.3m x 11.6m. Notable features include its three boilers, a triple expansion engine of 196HP, and a single shaft. The wreck, sunk in 1940, is classified as a dangerous wreck.
How challenging is the Alcora wreck dive, and is it suitable for Open Water certified divers?
The Alcora wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty, with a maximum depth of 40m. Due to its depth and classification, it is generally not suitable for Open Water certified divers, who are typically limited to shallower depths. Advanced certifications are usually recommended for dives of this nature.
What is the best time of year to dive the Alcora wreck for optimal visibility and weather conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal visibility and weather conditions at the Alcora wreck is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required or recommended for diving the Alcora wreck, especially for exploring its interior?
Given the Alcora wreck's maximum depth of 40m and its classification as an intermediate and dangerous wreck, advanced certifications are highly recommended. For exploring the interior of this steam ship vessel, specialized training such as Wreck Diver certification would be essential due to the inherent risks.
What are the typical current conditions and underwater visibility at the Alcora dive site off Rose Island?
The Alcora dive site is located in Scapa Flow, United Kingdom, not off Rose Island. Information regarding typical current conditions and underwater visibility for this specific wreck is not available in the provided data.