wreck

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FREIDIG (POSSIBLY)

We love a good deep wreck, and the Freidig, though we’re still working on its definitive identity, is certainly one of our favourites in Scapa Flow. It’s a 72-meter steamship, upright and remarkably intact at 59 meters, a true deep technical dive. Dropping down, you hit the bow first, then the midships where cargo holds yawn open, revealing the massive triple expansion engine in the engine room. It’s dark down there, even on a bright day, the light barely penetrating, so good lighting is a must to pick out the details of the davits and winches. Look for the large resident conger eels that have made homes in the deeper sections, their heads poking out of pipes and crevices as you pass. This site suits experienced technical divers comfortable with depths approaching 60 meters and low visibility. Expect a challenging but rewarding dive into a piece of history, where the cold, still water has preserved the ship’s structure beautifully. Our pick for making the most of it is a calm day with minimal surface chop – it makes the long deco much more pleasant.