wreck

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HMS OPAL

The HMS Opal sits in Scapa Flow, a stark reminder of the wild North Sea. We love this site for its sheer accessibility; at just 8 metres deep, it's a perfect introduction to wreck diving, even for those newer to colder waters. She went down in a violent gale, and you can almost feel the storm still, the way the sand shifts around her. The Opal lies broken in two main sections, her bows and stern separated. Heading down, you'll pick out the distinct shape of her stern first, then the midships, where the triple expansion engines are surprisingly intact. Look for the prop shaft stretching out, a dark line into the gloom. The wreck itself has become home to a bustling community of critters – we always find conger eels tucked into the tight spaces and colourful dahlia anemones plastered across the metal. Visibility can be a bit of a gamble, often around 5-10 metres, so bringing a good torch is key to really appreciating the details. It’s a great dive to combine with a shore excursion around the Orkney mainland.