wreck

Log This Dive

HMS OCEANIC

The HMS Oceanic, for us, is one of Scapa Flow’s unsung heroes. Not one of the German High Seas Fleet, no, but a White Star Line ocean liner, sister ship to the *Titanic* and *Britannic*, pressed into service as an armed merchant cruiser and sunk in 1914. It’s shallow, just 8 metres deep, but don't let that fool you. This isn’t a rummage through rusty plates. What you get here is a massive, broken-up debris field, spread across the seabed. Think huge sections of hull, steam engines, massive boilers, all coated in thick kelp and anemones. We love picking our way through the scattered remains, seeing how the light filters down through the swaying kelp. You’ll spot plenty of wrasse darting between the metalwork, and often a curious seal will pop by for a look. It's a dive that tells a story of an earlier era, of conversion and wartime service, then a swift end on the rocks. This site suits divers who appreciate history and enjoy exploring a sprawling, rather than intact, wreck. It's a fantastic spot for photographers too, especially on a bright day when the kelp forests are really glowing. We always suggest taking your time, letting your eyes adjust, and looking for the smaller details that bring this old liner to life.