WILLIAM H WELCH (STERN SECTION) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The *William H Welch* stern section is a fantastic shallow wreck dive, one we really enjoy when the weather’s a bit rough for deeper trips in Scapa Flow. It’s sitting upright in just a couple of metres of water, so it’s accessible for pretty much anyone – even snorkelers get a good view. You’re exploring the very back of a Liberty Ship, and the scale is still impressive despite the depth. We love finning over the propeller and rudder, which are surprisingly intact and offer great photographic opportunities. The sterncastle itself is quite broken up, but you can still make out the cargo holds and some of the superstructure. What makes this site special, though, isn’t just the history; it’s the life. Even in this meagre depth, the wreck is completely encrusted with plumose anemones, dead man's fingers, and kelp. We've often seen small pollock darting through the rusted metalwork, and the light filtering through the surface creates some lovely dappled effects on the wreck. It’s a completely different vibe from the deeper Scapa Flow wrecks, and a genuinely relaxing dive.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.875534, -5.718683
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Wester Ross

Best Time to Dive in Scapa Flow, Orkney

The warmest water temperatures in Scapa Flow, Orkney occur in January, averaging 8.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 8.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 8.4°C (air: 5.5°C)
  • February: 8.4°C (air: 5.3°C)
  • March: 8.4°C (air: 5.9°C)
  • April: 8.4°C (air: 6.8°C)
  • May: 8.4°C (air: 9.7°C)
  • June: 8.4°C (air: 12.4°C)
  • July: 8.4°C (air: 13.2°C)
  • August: 8.4°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • September: 8.4°C (air: 12.7°C)
  • October: 8.4°C (air: 10.2°C)
  • November: 8.4°C (air: 8.0°C)
  • December: 8.4°C (air: 5.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Nearest Dive Centres to WILLIAM H WELCH (STERN SECTION)

Marine Life in Scapa Flow, Orkney

Home to 155 recorded species including 63 reef fish, 17 whales & dolphins, 12 sharks & rays, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for WILLIAM H WELCH (STERN SECTION)

Based on average water temperature of 8.4°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 8°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories