wreck

Log This Dive

CHARLES GOODANEW

The *Charles Goodanew* sits deep in Scapa Flow, a real diver's wreck if ever there was one. We love this site for its character. She’s a steamship, sunk in 1917, now resting on her starboard side at 47 metres, and that depth means you’ll want to be on trimix or have solid decompression skills. Dropping down, the bow is often the first thing you pick out of the gloom, silhouetted against the lighter water above. You’ll find her largely intact, a testament to the cold, calm Scapa waters. We usually start our exploration around the stern, where the triple-expansion engine still stands proud. It's heavily encrusted, but the sheer scale of the machinery is impressive. You can poke your head into the hold openings, though penetration here is tight and silty – not for the inexperienced. Look out for the resident conger eels, they’re often tucked into the darker recesses, watching you with that unblinking stare. This wreck feels like history, a quiet, solemn place where time has slowed to a crawl, covered in white plumose anemones and dead man’s fingers. It’s a dive for those who appreciate maritime history and enjoy the challenges of deep, cold water wreck exploration.