wreck

Log This Dive

COTOVIA (PROBABLY)

We love a bit of mystery, and the Cotovia (Probably) delivers. This isn’t a perfectly preserved wreck, but that’s its charm. Dropping onto the deck at 36 metres, you're immediately struck by the sheer scale of the cargo holds, often silhouetted by the ambient light filtering down. The ship’s bow points roughly east, and we usually start there, checking out the anchor chains before heading aft. Visibility here can range from "gin clear" to "proper Scapa Flow soup," but even on murkier days, the outlines of the three massive boilers are impressive. Look for the triple expansion engine, a classic Scapa Flow feature, now home to clouds of saithe and the occasional inquisitive ling peeking out from behind a valve. Our favourite time to dive it is on a calm, overcast day; the diffused light really brings out the eerie, historical feel of the place. It's a proper expedition dive, best for those who appreciate the quiet grandeur of a historical wreck, rather than a brightly lit reef.