wreck

Log This Dive

NORTHERN LIGHT

The Northern Light, a trawler sunk in 1959, is one of Scapa Flow’s lesser-dived wrecks, mostly because it’s so shallow. We mean *really* shallow. This isn't a dive you kit up for with twinsets and deco bottles; it’s more of a snorkel or free-dive, often done from a RIB or even a kayak. But don’t let the depth fool you. What you lose in bottom time, you gain in light and clarity. The wreck sits in just a metre or two of water, so even on a grey Orkney day, the light penetrates right to the hull. We love the way the light picks out the details of the twisted metal, the ghostly outline of the wheelhouse, and the way the kelp fronds sway with the gentle surge. It’s been down there long enough for some serious colonisation: plumose anemones cling to every surface, their tentacles waving like miniature dancers, and you'll often spot wrasse darting between the rusty plates. It’s not about penetration here, but about appreciating the transformation of steel into a living reef. It’s a great spot for underwater photographers looking for natural light and interesting textures, or anyone who fancies a quick dip with a bit of history attached.