ANDRIAS - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Andrias isn’t one of the grand Scapa Flow battleships, but we think it’s a brilliant dive for something a bit different. This modern trawler ran aground and sank in 1981, and what’s left of her is now scattered across the seabed at 27 metres. We love how the stern section is still largely intact, sitting upright with its propeller clear and proud. You can peek into the engine room, often finding conger eels lurking in the shadows. What really makes the Andrias shine, though, is the sheer amount of life. Every surface of the fragmented hull is plastered with plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying gently in the mild current. We’ve seen huge shoals of juvenile pollock darting through the wreckage, and plenty of wrasse picking at the growth. It’s a dive that shows how quickly a wreck becomes a vibrant reef. For divers who appreciate historical context but also want a living, breathing dive, the Andrias is a fantastic choice, especially if the big wrecks are busy.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.374650, -3.099950
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
27m

Wreck History - ANDRIAS

Year Sunk
1981
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
grounding

While Scapa Flow is legendary for its scuttled German High Seas Fleet from WWI, it is also home to more recent maritime casualties. The ANDRIAS is one such site, a modern fishing trawler that met its end in the historic waters of the Orkney Islands. Unlike its wartime neighbors, the ANDRIAS offers a different kind of wreck diving experience, representing the ever-present dangers of navigating this beautiful but challenging coastline.

On May 21, 1981, the ANDRIAS ran hard aground on the southeastern side of the island of Switha. The powerful tides and rocky shores of Scapa Flow proved too much for the vessel, and despite efforts to save her, she eventually sank. Fortunately, the entire crew was rescued without incident, leaving the trawler to become a new feature on the seabed.

Today, the ANDRIAS lies at a maximum depth of 27 meters. The wreck is described as consisting of distributed remains, meaning it is significantly broken up rather than being an intact vessel. This creates a fascinating debris field for divers to explore. The scattered steel plates, ribs, and machinery provide a perfect habitat for a variety of marine life, including conger eels, lobsters, and colorful anemones. It's an excellent dive for those looking to see how nature quickly reclaims a wreck, turning it into a thriving artificial reef.

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 ANDRIAS

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 ANDRIAS

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