wreck

Log This Dive

Tabarka (block ship)

The Tabarka sits upright, a real leviathan of a blockship in Scapa Flow. We love how the stern rises out of the gloom, just hinting at the rest of her waiting below. This isn't a deep dive, around 18-24 metres depending on the tide, making her accessible for most competent wreck divers. The real draw is that bow section, completely blown off; you can swim through the gap and into the cargo holds, or what’s left of them. Look for the large propeller blades, often draped in dead man's fingers and a surprising number of jewel anemones, glowing pink and orange in your torch beam. Inside, the light filters down, creating these shafts where pollock dart in and out, seemingly oblivious to divers. We always suggest taking your time exploring the holds. Our favourite is spotting the massive plumose anemones, often growing several feet tall, waving gently in the slight surge. The visibility here can vary wildly, sometimes you're lucky and get 10 metres, other days it's a green soup, but even then, the scale of the wreck is impressive as she slowly reveals herself. It’s a classic Scapa dive, robust and full of atmosphere, perfect for those who appreciate the history as much as the crabs scurrying amongst the plates.