wreck

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PHILIPPA

Philippa might only sit at 10 metres, but don’t let that fool you. This isn’t just a shallow splash; it’s a proper Scapa wreck, and one we truly love for a relaxed dive. She was a yacht, 61 metres long, that just gave up the ghost at her moorings back in 1970. No dramatic explosions or wartime heroics here, but that peaceful end means she settled upright and relatively intact, making for an enjoyable exploration. What we really enjoy about Philippa is the light. At 10 metres, even on a gloomy Orkney day, you get plenty of ambient light filtering down, illuminating the deck and making penetration – for those qualified and comfortable – less intimidating. We’ve spent many an hour poking around the holds, watching the shoals of coalfish dart through the superstructure, and admiring the anemones that coat every available surface. It’s a fantastic spot for photographers looking to capture that classic wreck outline against a bright surface. If you’re building your confidence on bigger wrecks or just want a chill dive with plenty to see, Philippa is our pick. Just watch out for fishing line near the bow.