ARCADIA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Arcadia is a real Scapa Flow favourite of ours, and it’s not because it’s a massive historical wreck. This 19-metre fishing vessel went down in 1983, a much more recent addition to the seabed, but she’s settled perfectly upright at 30 metres, practically inviting you inside. We love dropping down onto her deck, where the wheelhouse is still largely intact. You can fin around the bridge, imagining the scramble to abandon ship as she went down. Inside, her hold is open, a dark maw where we’ve often seen conger eels lurking in the shadows. Look closely at the deck plating and bulkheads; the metal is completely covered in a thick carpet of plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying with the gentle surge. It’s a striking contrast to the darker, more industrial feel of the bigger warships. Visibility here is typically good, often 15 metres or more, making her easy to navigate. The Arcadia is a fantastic second dive after a deeper session, or a cracking standalone for those who appreciate modern maritime history and seeing how quickly life reclaims a lost vessel.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.266277, -5.367913
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
30m

Wreck History - ARCADIA

Year Sunk
1983
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
grounding

The FV Arcadia (K310) was a Kirkwall-registered fishing vessel, a familiar sight in the waters around Orkney. At just under 19 metres long, she was a workhorse of the local fishing fleet, crewed by men who knew these challenging seas intimately.

On the night of June 15, 1983, the Arcadia was caught in a severe storm. While attempting to navigate the treacherous waters, she struck the skerries off Papa Stronsay and was quickly overwhelmed. The sinking was a profound tragedy for the tight-knit Orkney community, as five of the six crew members were lost to the sea. A single survivor was rescued from the water, but the event left a lasting scar on the islands.

Today, the Arcadia rests at a depth of 30 metres. It is a sombre and poignant dive, serving as a memorial to the men who were lost. The wreck is small but largely intact, sitting upright on the seabed. Divers can explore the vessel's structure, now draped in anemones and home to shoals of fish, but are reminded to approach this site with the utmost respect for its tragic history.

Marine Protected Area: Scourie 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 ARCADIA

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 ARCADIA

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