wreck

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DALEWOOD (POSSIBLY)

The Dalewood, what we *think* is the Dalewood anyway, is a proper Scapa Flow mystery. It’s a trawler, around 35 metres long, sitting upright at 49 metres. We love it because it’s not one of the big German fleet wrecks, it’s a working boat, sunk in 1974 after running aground. That relatively recent sinking means it still feels like a ship, not just a pile of plates. Dropping down, the bow points east, and the bridge superstructure is still largely intact. You can push your head into the wheelhouse, imagining the chaos of its final moments. There’s a lovely, eerie feeling down there, especially when the ambient light from the surface barely penetrates the gloom. Keep an eye out for the resident conger eels, they’ve made a good home in the engine room, and sometimes you’ll see the glint of their eyes in your torch beam. The Dalewood is a challenging dive due to its depth and the typically cooler Scapa Flow waters. It’s perfect for experienced wreck divers who appreciate the character of a post-war trawler and don't mind the dark. Our favourite part is exploring the stern, where the fishing gear is still visible, giving a real sense of its former life. You’ll feel the history in your hands down there.