LENA SORENSEN - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Lena Sorensen, though small at just under 17 metres, has a real charm in Scapa Flow. We love how accessible she is, sunk right up against the shore, her stern practically begging for a shore dive entry. She’s often overlooked for the big German battleships, but that's precisely why we rate her. You get the whole wreck to yourself, usually. Sunk in 1990 after running aground in a snowstorm, she's remarkably intact for her age. You can drop down and explore her wheelhouse, a compact space that still feels like a working boat. We’ve spotted conger eels tucked into her engine room, and the holds are now home to squat lobsters and the occasional playful inquisitive seal. Visibility here can be hit or miss, typical of Scapa, but even in murkier conditions, her structure is clear to follow, and the cold water corals are starting to really encrust her hull. She’s an ideal second dive or a fantastic option for newer wreck divers wanting to get a feel for Scapa without the daunting depths.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.904648, -5.642852
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Wester Ross

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 LENA SORENSEN

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 LENA SORENSEN

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