wreck

Log This Dive

WILLIAM H WELCH (FWD SECTION)

The *William H Welch* bow section in Scapa Flow, honestly, is one of our favourites for a quick, shallow dip with a big punch of history. It’s barely a metre deep at high tide, sometimes even poking out of the water, which makes it perfect for snorkelers or photographers who want to spend ages getting the shot right without rushing. You don't need a boat to get to it, just a decent pair of boots for the walk across the foreshore at low tide to where it rests on the sand. What we love is how it's become this accidental art installation. The steel plates, crusted with barnacles and seaweed, ripple in the gentle currents, a stark contrast to the blue-grey Orkney sky. Look closely among the rusted frames, and you’ll spot small crabs scuttling, sometimes a butterfish darting between the girders. It’s a completely different wreck experience – more about the quiet observation of history and nature reclaiming something, less about penetration. We'd suggest going on a calm, bright day to really appreciate the clarity and the way the light plays on the structure. Just remember your drysuit – it's still Orkney!