HMS MARSONA (S SECTION)
Protected Area
Moray Firth
Why dive here
With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - HMS MARSONA (S SECTION) offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
If you're diving Scapa Flow, the HMS *Marsona* (S Section) is a quirky little wreck that often gets overlooked, but we always try to squeeze in a dive here. Sitting upright in 16 metres, she's a trawler converted into a minesweeper, sunk in 1940. We love her compact size – it means you can explore the whole thing without feeling rushed by the cold. The bow section is our favourite, with the hawse pipes and anchor chains still clearly visible. You’ll often find conger eels peering out from gaps in the plating, their thick bodies blending into the shadows. Visibility here can be surprisingly good, especially on a slack tide, letting you appreciate the details of the triple-expansion engine. Look for the colourful jewel anemones clinging to the darker recesses, and the occasional inquisitive wrasse darting around the propeller shaft. It’s an accessible wreck, perfect for an afternoon dive, particularly if you're keen on seeing a well-preserved piece of maritime history colonised by the Flow's resilient marine life.
Typical HMS MARSONA (S SECTION) Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Reviews for HMS MARSONA (S SECTION)
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for HMS MARSONA (S SECTION)
HMS MARSONA (S SECTION) Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for HMS MARSONA (S SECTION), sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
13°C
55°F · Range: 11.4–13.8°C
Air Temperature
10°C
50°F
Wind Speed
9.26 m/s
18.0 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1005.3 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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