wreck

Log This Dive

MARANDRA

Marandra isn't a deep dive, but it's a real charmer. This little fishing vessel ran ashore on Kirk Rocks back in '80, and now she sits upright in very shallow water, her stern practically kissing the surface at low tide. We love her because she's just so accessible, a perfect introduction to wreck diving in Scapa Flow without the usual depth or current concerns. You'll find her hull completely colonised by an amazing tapestry of plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying like miniature feather dusters. Look closer, and you’ll spot velvet crabs scuttling over the rusting deck plates and blennies peeking from every crevice. We’d suggest diving Marandra as a second or third dive on a calm day, perhaps after exploring one of the deeper blockships. The light penetration is incredible, especially on a sunny afternoon, painting the wreck in hues of green and gold. Just remember your drysuit – it’s Orkney, after all.