CALINA - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Calina is a cracking little wreck, a wooden fishing vessel that went down in 2002. We love it because it’s surprisingly intact for a timber boat, especially the stern. You can still make out the wheelhouse structure, which is always a bonus, and the bow points north, a good reference. Dropping onto her at 41 metres, the first thing that hits you is the sheer coverage of plumose anemones, often thick enough to completely obscure the original timber. It’s like a vibrant, pulsating carpet. The hold is open, easy to peek into, and we’ve often found lumpsuckers tucked away there, a real treat. Keep an eye out for conger eels too; they’ve made a home in various nooks and crannies. This isn't a wreck for penetration, but for exploration, feeling the history of a working boat, it’s spot on. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the prop is still in place, usually buzzing with small schooling fish. The Calina is a superb dive for those who appreciate the quiet beauty of a wreck reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.169834, -6.308267
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
41m

Wreck History - CALINA

Year Sunk
2002
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

Unlike the legendary warships of the German High Seas Fleet that surround it, the MV Calina is a much more modern and humble addition to the wrecks of Scapa Flow. Built of wood in 1969 in Girvan, Scotland, the 16-meter vessel served as a working fishing boat for over three decades. Her story is not one of conflict, but of the daily toil that characterizes the fishing industry in the demanding waters of the North Atlantic.

The Calina's end came not in battle, but on April 19, 2002. While operating in Scapa Flow, she began to take on water for reasons that remain unclear. Unable to control the flooding, her crew were forced to abandon ship and were thankfully recovered safely. The Calina slipped beneath the waves, settling on the seabed and joining the ghosts of a much earlier, more violent era.

Resting at 41 meters, the Calina offers a fascinating contrast to the colossal battleships nearby. It's a dive for advanced or technical divers, providing a chance to explore a small, relatively recent wooden wreck. While not as imposing as her famous neighbors, she is a complete vessel that is interesting to circumnavigate, peering into the spaces where her crew once worked. The site is a reminder that the sea continues to claim ships, and that Scapa Flow's underwater museum is still growing.

Marine Protected Area: Tong Saltings

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 CALINA

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 CALINA

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