wreck

Log This Dive

GOBERNADOR BORIES

Gobernador Bories, or the ‘Bories’ as we call her, offers a different kind of Scapa Flow dive. Not a German battleship, but a merchant steamship, scuttled early in World War I to block the eastern entrance. She sits upright in just 12 metres of water, making her perfect for longer dives and even a good second dive after a deeper wreck. What we love about the Bories is the intact stern. The rudder is huge, and the propeller blades, though worn, still give you a real sense of her scale. Penetration isn't really an option here; the deck has largely collapsed, but that just creates a fantastic, open environment for exploring. Sunlight filters through the gaps, illuminating the skeletal structure. You’ll find a surprising amount of life given the shallower depth. We've seen conger eels poking out from beneath plates, butterfish darting through the rusted metalwork, and often a few inquisitive dogfish nosing around. The visibility can vary, but even on a slightly murkier day, the sheer size of the wreck at this depth makes for an atmospheric dive. We'd suggest going at slack water, though the current here is rarely a major problem. It’s a great site for photographers keen on ambient light wreck shots and anyone who appreciates a well-preserved piece of maritime history.