FORGET ME NOT - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Forget Me Not is one of those Scapa Flow sites that gets overlooked, probably because of the battleships, but that’s a mistake. This isn't some colossal war grave. She's a small fishing vessel, just over ten metres, that went down in '94, and that's precisely her charm. We love pulling up to a site that doesn’t immediately scream "historic," but instead offers a more intimate look at the sea reclaiming human endeavour. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is how well preserved she is for her size and exposure. You can make out the wheelhouse, the deck fittings, even some of the fishing gear. What really brings Forget Me Not to life, though, is the sheer density of plumose anemones. They carpet every surface, swaying in the gentle current, creating a soft, colourful fuzz that hides smaller crustaceans and blennies. It feels less like a wreck and more like an artificial reef that’s been there for centuries. Because of her depth, around 60 metres, this is one for experienced technical divers. We’d suggest a sidemount configuration; it makes navigating the tighter sections, especially around the stern, a lot easier. Don't expect dramatic swim-throughs, but do expect a surprisingly vibrant ecosystem thriving on a piece of relatively modern history. It’s a quiet, reflective dive, a nice counterpoint to the enormity of the German fleet.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.699600, -2.901608
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
60m

Marine Protected Area: Pentland Firth Islands

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 FORGET ME NOT

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 FORGET ME NOT

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