CARISBROOK (POSSIBLY) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The *Carisbrook* might not be the poster child of Scapa Flow, but for those willing to venture a little deeper, it delivers a genuinely captivating dive. We’ve always found these lesser-known wrecks offer a different kind of magic. Dropping down, you're immediately struck by the sheer scale of the hull, largely intact and resting upright at 50 metres. There's a real sense of history here, the metalwork draped in anemones and dead man’s fingers, particularly vibrant under the torch beam. Our favourite part has to be exploring the stern. The twin boilers are still prominent, huge cylinders encrusted with sponges, and the triple expansion engine, though mostly collapsed, still offers fascinating nooks and crannies. Keep an eye out for conger eels peering from dark recesses and ling lurking amongst the twisted plates. Visibility can be hit or miss in Scapa, but when it's good, seeing the *Carisbrook*'s profile emerge from the green gloom is a powerful experience. We’d suggest diving this on a slack tide for the best conditions, allowing plenty of time to really soak in the atmosphere. This is a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts, comfortable with deeper profiles and the often-chilly North Sea temperatures, who appreciate the quiet dignity of a well-preserved historical site.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.298350, -2.743300
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
50m

Wreck History - CARISBROOK (POSSIBLY)

Year Sunk
1915
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

Resting in the deep, historic waters of Scapa Flow, the steamship identified as the Carisbrook is a challenging and rewarding dive for experienced technical divers. Built in 1907 by J. Blumer & Co. in Sunderland, this vessel was powered by a 236hp triple-expansion engine. At the time of her loss on June 21, 1915, she was owned by the Brook SS Co Ltd and was on a passage from Montreal, likely laden with cargo for the war effort.

The exact cause of the Carisbrook's sinking remains undocumented, adding a layer of mystery to the dive. Unlike the famous German High Seas Fleet scuttled here in 1919, her end is less certain, possibly the result of an accident or unrecorded enemy action during the height of World War I. The 'possibly' in her identification suggests that her true identity is still not 100% confirmed, inviting visiting divers to look for clues.

At a depth of 50 meters, the wreck is a serious undertaking, requiring decompression procedures and trimix gas. Divers who make the descent are greeted by the remains of a classic WWI-era steamship. The two large boilers and the impressive triple-expansion engine are key features, offering a fascinating glimpse into the engineering of the period. The dark, cool waters of the Flow often provide excellent visibility, making the exploration of this enigmatic wreck a truly memorable experience.

Marine Protected Area: Long Berry Coast

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 CARISBROOK (POSSIBLY)

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 CARISBROOK (POSSIBLY)

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