LOCH MADDY (STERN SECTION)
Protected Area
Waulkmill
Why dive here
With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - LOCH MADDY (STERN SECTION) offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Loch Maddy’s stern section sits shallow, a perfect introduction to Scapa Flow’s industrial might without the full commitment of a deep dive. At just 8 meters, it’s a bright, accessible site, even for those newer to wreck diving. We love finning around the propeller shaft, seeing the massive triple-expansion engine rising from the seabed, still a stark reminder of the vessel's original power. Look closely and you’ll find the wreck is now home to a thriving community of plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying gently in the mild current, along with squat lobsters peeking from crevices. We’d suggest going at slack water to really take your time examining the boilers; the sheer scale of the engineering is impressive, even after decades underwater. It’s a site that proves Scapa Flow isn’t just for the technical crowd, offering a tangible piece of history that’s easy to explore.
Typical LOCH MADDY (STERN SECTION) Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Nearest Dive Centres to LOCH MADDY (STERN SECTION)
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for LOCH MADDY (STERN SECTION)
LOCH MADDY (STERN SECTION) Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for LOCH MADDY (STERN SECTION), sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
13°C
55°F · Range: 11.4–13.8°C
Air Temperature
10°C
50°F
Wind Speed
9.26 m/s
18.0 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1005.3 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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