wreck

Log This Dive

MAVERICK

The Maverick is one of those Scapa Flow wrecks we always make time for, even with the bigger German fleet nearby. It’s a fishing vessel, just 21 metres long, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s a quick dip. Sunk in 1980 after running aground and being refloated, it lies upright at a comfortable 20 metres, making it perfect for a relaxed dive. We love the way it’s settled, almost as if it’s still fishing the seabed. The wheelhouse is still largely intact, a real highlight, and we often find ourselves poking around inside, imagining the last moments of its working life. Crabs and lobsters are everywhere, tucked into every nook and cranny, and the deck is now a shaggy carpet of anemones and hydroids, swaying gently with the current. This isn’t about grand scale; it’s about the intimacy of a working boat, now a vibrant artificial reef. We always go at slack water for the best visibility, which, let’s be honest, can vary wildly in Scapa, but even on a murkier day, the Maverick’s character shines through.