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