wreck

Log This Dive

HMS Hampshire

The HMS Hampshire isn't one of Scapa Flow’s main attractions, and we think that’s a shame. This isn't the Grand Fleet, but a lonely cruiser, sunk by a mine in 1916 with Lord Kitchener on board. She lies deeper than most of the Flow’s wrecks, often around 50-60m depending on the tide, which makes her a serious technical dive. Dropping down, the bow comes into view first, listing heavily to port. It’s a somber sight. We always find the scale impressive, the deck guns still pointing out into the gloom. The wreck is largely intact but the upper works are starting to collapse, a jumble of twisted metal and plating. Penetration is possible for trained wreck divers, but the silt can be thick and zero-vis situations are a real possibility. We love looking for the propeller shafts and the enormous rudder, usually draped in hydroids and anemones. Visibility can swing wildly; on a good day, you get a good 10-15 metres, letting the scale of the wreck truly sink in. On others, it’s a green soup, and you’re navigating by feel. For us, it’s the sense of history, the quiet reverence of the site, that really makes the Hampshire special. Just remember, this one demands respect, planning, and solid experience.