wreck

Log This Dive

LLANISHEN (PROBABLY)

Diving the Llanishen, or at least what we’re pretty sure is the Llanishen, is one of those classic Scapa Flow experiences. This 122-metre steamship lies on its port side, pretty intact for a wartime casualty. Dropping down, you’ll find yourself following the port rail, which gives you a great sense of scale. The bow, in particular, is an impressive sight, looming out of the gloom. Inside the hold, it’s dark, but the beams of your torch will pick out the scattered coal cargo. We always find ourselves drawn to the massive triple-expansion engine, a truly impressive piece of engineering, still standing proud. The superstructure is quite collapsed, though, so exploration here requires care. Look out for the resident ling and conger eels that have made homes in the deeper sections; they’re often surprisingly bold. The deeper water means this is definitely one for experienced cold-water wreck divers comfortable with decompression. For us, it’s a brilliant insight into a ship caught in a devastating moment of history.