BOY GRAHAM - Scapa Flow, Orkney

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.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.074566, -2.728317
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
31m

Wreck History - BOY GRAHAM

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.

Marine Protected Area: Muckle and Little Green Holm

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 BOY GRAHAM

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 BOY GRAHAM

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