HMD Lustring - Scapa Flow, Orkney

HMD Lustring, for us, is a genuine Scapa Flow treat that often gets overlooked for its bigger, more dramatic neighbours. Dropping onto her scattered remains at 23 metres feels like stepping into an underwater archaeology site. We love how her hull plates lie peeled back, revealing her internal ribs and the robust engine room. It’s not about penetration here, but rather a slow exploration of the debris field. She’s been down since 1918, so the wreck has become a proper home for sea life. You'll often find a lazy anglerfish tucked amongst the frames, and her plates are usually carpeted in dead man’s fingers. Ling and cod lurk in the deeper shadows, while schools of saithe shimmer above the highest points. Visibility can be a bit variable, but on a good day, the low light filtering through the Orkney green water gives the whole site a wonderfully atmospheric, historical feel. It's a great second dive after one of the big German battleships, offering a completely different perspective on Scapa Flow’s past.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.014000, -2.881617
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
23m

Marine Protected Area: Muckle and Little Green Holm

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 HMD Lustring

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 HMD Lustring

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