wreck

Log This Dive

HMS GRIVE

The HMS Grive sits deep, a good 55 metres down in Scapa Flow, making it a dive for those comfortable with decompression. This armed boarding steamer, torpedoed back in 1917, is very much a coherent wreck. We love how intact she feels despite the years, her bow still pointing proudly upwards, though now draped in anemones. Dropping down, the sheer scale becomes apparent – 89 metres of history. There are penetrations possible into the holds, which are often swarming with squat lobsters and the occasional ling lurking in the shadows. Look closely at the superstructure; we’ve seen some huge plumose anemones clinging on, swaying gently with the faint current. It’s a dive that rewards careful exploration, not just a quick swim-over. Our favourite part is probably the stern, where the prop shaft is still visible, encrusted with dead man's fingers. Visibility here can be 10-15 metres on a good day, but it’s the darkness and depth that really add to the atmosphere. We’d suggest a strong torch, not just for looking inside, but for bringing out the vibrant colours of the invertebrate life covering the metalwork. It’s a proper expedition dive, a deep, quiet encounter with a piece of wartime history.