BOY GRAHAM

Good diving all year

Protected Area

Muckle and Little Green Holm

Why dive here

With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - BOY GRAHAM offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeYear-round

WetsuitA drysuit

Marine lifeBlue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 140+ species recorded

Water8-14°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 31m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The Boy Graham sits at 31 metres, a fishing vessel that went down in 1981 after a burst pipe flooded her engine room. She’s a decent size at 21 metres, perfect for a good poke around without feeling overwhelmed. We think it’s one of Scapa Flow’s more underrated wrecks, probably because she’s not part of the scuttled German fleet. But that’s exactly what we love about her; there’s a genuine workhorse feel to the Boy Graham, the kind of boat that saw hard graft. You’ll typically drop onto her bow, which points north. The bridge superstructure has collapsed a fair bit, but the holds are still open and easy to explore. We always suggest carrying a good torch to really appreciate the details inside – the winch gear, some old fishing paraphernalia, and the general clutter of a working vessel that just... stopped. Conger eels often peek out from under plates of steel, and the entire wreck is draped in plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying gently in the subtle flow. It’s a captivating picture against the green-grey light. This site suits divers who appreciate the quiet history of a modern wreck and enjoy the challenge of a cooler water dive.

Typical BOY GRAHAM Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Deep dive (31m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.

Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

Today06:3917:1810h 39m daylightGolden hour 16:22

BOY GRAHAM Wreck History

Year Sunk

1981

Vessel Type

fishing vessel

Cause

unknown

While Scapa Flow is world-renowned for the scuttled German High Seas Fleet of WWI, it is also home to more modern, humble tragedies like the fishing vessel Boy Graham. Built in 1957, this local Orkney vessel served the fishing community for over two decades. Its end was not a dramatic battle or storm, but a sudden mechanical failure. On October 7th, 1981, a pipe burst in the engine room, causing catastrophic and rapid flooding that sent the ship to the bottom.

Lying at 31 meters, the Boy Graham is a dive for more experienced divers. Unlike the colossal, broken battleships nearby, this 21-meter fishing vessel offers a more intact and recognizable wreck experience. Divers can explore its decks and superstructure, picturing its final moments and appreciating the contrast between this small working boat and the wartime giants that share its final resting place.