wreck

Log This Dive

HASTINGS COUNTY

Forget the big battleships and cruisers for a moment. Hastings County might only be a shallow dive, but it’s one of our favourite Scapa sites for sheer character. Lying in just 5 metres, it’s not about penetration or vast scale, but rather a proper rummage through a broken steamship. You’ll find the bow section completely separated, almost a dive site in itself, and then the main hull spread across the seabed. We love finning slowly over the triple expansion engine, the huge pistons still visible, and then spotting the three boilers. The light here, even on a murky day, is usually pretty good because of the depth. It illuminates the encrusting life – dead man's fingers coral, anenomes, and big balls of snakelocks anemones. Look closely in the nooks and crannies; we've often spotted scorpionfish tucked away, and the occasional inquisitive seal pup will zip past. It’s an ideal second dive, or perfect for those who want a long, relaxed exploration without the usual chill of Scapa’s deeper wrecks. Plus, you can often spend a good hour down here without feeling the cold too much.