BOSTON STIRLING - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The *Boston Stirling* is a fantastic shallow wreck, perfect for when the weather turns a bit too spicy for Scapa Flow's deeper giants. We love it for its accessibility and the sheer volume of life it holds. This stern trawler ran aground back in '85 when her skipper dozed off. Now, she lies on her port side, well broken but still offering plenty of penetration for properly trained divers. You’ll find the engine room surprisingly open, a real highlight, and the stern section holds a lot of detail. The *Boston Stirling* is absolutely smothered in plumose anemones, creating these incredible white, feathery blankets over the metalwork. We’ve seen blennies peering out from every crevice, and the odd inquisitive conger eel making a home in the darker corners. Visibility can vary, but generally, it's pretty decent, and at only 7m, you get a good long bottom time. It’s our pick for a relaxing second dive, or for less experienced wreck divers looking to get some quality time on a proper Scapa wreck without the depth.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.000100, -5.405383
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

Wreck History - BOSTON STIRLING

Year Sunk
1985
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
grounding

While Scapa Flow is world-famous for the scuttled German High Seas Fleet of World War I, it is also home to more modern tragedies. The Boston Stirling, a stern trawler, is one such wreck. Its story is not one of naval conflict but of simple human error. On Halloween night, October 31, 1985, the vessel was en route from Ullapool to the fishing grounds when the skipper, alone on the bridge, fell asleep at the helm. The ship ran hard aground on the shore of Hoy, and despite efforts to save her, the engine room flooded. A subsequent fire sealed her fate, and the trawler capsized and sank, thankfully after all nine crew members were safely recovered.

Today, the Boston Stirling lies upside down in just 7 meters of water, making it one of the most accessible wrecks in the Orkney Islands. Its shallow depth makes it a perfect dive for beginners, photographers, or as a relaxed second dive of the day. The upturned hull is the most prominent feature, with its propeller and rudder clearly visible. Exploring the wreckage offers a stark contrast to the historic warships nearby and serves as a poignant reminder that the sea remains a formidable and unpredictable force even in modern times.

Marine Protected Area: Rubha Dunan

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 BOSTON STIRLING

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 BOSTON STIRLING

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