wreck

Log This Dive

IJSSELSTROOM

The IJsselstroom is one of those Scapa wrecks we always make time for, even if it often gets overshadowed by the bigger German fleet. It’s a tug, only 19.5 metres long, but it sank in 2009, making it a relatively fresh artificial reef. That means no long-term degradation from centuries of currents, just a clean, intact structure. We love how the wheelhouse sits upright, giving you a proper sense of the vessel. Dropping down, you hit the deck around 23 metres, and the whole thing is smothered in plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying like a field of flowers in the gentle surge. Entry points into the engine room are pretty clear, and it’s a straightforward swim-through for anyone comfortable in overhead environments. Look for the resident wrasse darting between the frames. What makes it special for us is that contrast: a modern working boat, now completely surrendered to the Orkney marine environment. It’s perfect for a second dive, or if you’re just starting to explore Scapa’s wrecks before tackling the big battleships. Just be mindful of the current on a spring tide; it can pick up a bit around the wreck.