BRIARBANK
Protected Area
Eilean Hoan
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) - BRIARBANK offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
Briarbank is one of Scapa Flow’s quieter wrecks, and honestly, we appreciate that. At 48 metres, it’s a solid tech dive, but for those with the training, it offers a real sense of exploration away from the more crowded German High Seas Fleet giants. Sunk in 1969, this fishing vessel lies upright and largely intact, a proper time capsule. What we love about Briarbank is the way she’s been colonised. Look closely and you’ll find the brass fittings and portholes are still there, albeit heavily encrusted. The wheelhouse is a jumble, but you can still make out the outline of the gear. We’ve spotted conger eels tucked into the deeper sections of the hull, and often, the deck is draped in plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying in the subtle current. It’s not a big wreck, just 22 metres long, which means you can really take your time and pick through the details. Visibility here can vary, but on a good day, the natural light filters down beautifully, giving the whole scene a moody, ethereal glow. Dive it mid-week if you can; you might have it all to yourself.
Typical BRIARBANK Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 48m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
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.
BRIARBANK Wreck History
Year Sunk
1969
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown
Tonnage
77 GRT
The Briarbank was a 22-meter motor trawler that worked the cold, productive waters off the northern coast of Scotland. On November 15, 1969, while near the entrance to the remote and beautiful Loch Eriboll in Sutherland, the vessel suddenly sprang a serious leak. The crew fought to save their boat, but the flooding was too severe to control, and they were forced to abandon ship. Fortunately, all four crew members were rescued before the Briarbank slipped beneath the waves.
For experienced technical or deep-certified divers, the Briarbank presents a thrilling challenge. She sits at a depth of 48 meters in the still, clear, and cold waters of the loch. This environment has preserved the wreck in exceptional condition. The trawler is upright and fully intact, appearing as if she could set sail at any moment. Divers descending through the dark water are greeted by the ghostly silhouette of her mast and wheelhouse. The wreck is often draped in its own trawl nets, which now provide a lattice for marine growth and a home for various deep-water species.
Reviews for BRIARBANK
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BRIARBANK
BRIARBANK Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BRIARBANK, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
13°C
55°F · Range: 11.4–13.8°C
Air Temperature
10°C
50°F
Wind Speed
9.26 m/s
18.0 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1005.3 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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