KATHE NIEDERKIRCHNER - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Kathe Niederkirchner sits upright and remarkably intact in a relatively shallow 16 metres, making it one of our favourite Scapa Flow wrecks for a longer bottom time. We love drifting along her massive 142-metre length, feeling the sheer scale of the ship. She went down fast in 1965 after running aground, and it really feels like a snapshot in time. Inside, the engine room is a highlight, and the huge holds are easily accessible, allowing light to filter down, illuminating the resident cod and pollack that dart between the frames. Look closely and you’ll spot nudibranchs, often the colourful 'sea lemon' variety, clinging to the metalwork, their frilly gills swaying gently in the slight surge. The deck is carpeted in anemones and dead man’s fingers, a surprising splash of colour against the grey steel. It’s a fantastic wreck for photographers, with plenty of ambient light for wide-angle shots, and the chance to really explore without the pressure of deep deco limits.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.691580, -2.933963
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
16m

Marine Protected Area: Pentland Firth Islands

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 KATHE NIEDERKIRCHNER

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 KATHE NIEDERKIRCHNER

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