HMS MARSONA (S SECTION) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

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.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.673317, -3.917800
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
16m

Marine Protected Area: Moray Firth

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 HMS MARSONA (S SECTION)

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 HMS MARSONA (S SECTION)

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