wreck

Log This Dive

WILSTON (PROBABLY)

Wilston (Probably) is a Scapa Flow wreck for those who love a bit of mystery and a lot of history. Down at 54 metres, this steamship is definitely a dive for the more experienced. What we really love about her is the journey to figure out her identity. She’s often called the Wilston, but really, it’s a best guess, which adds to the intrigue. Descending onto her deck feels like dropping into a ghost story. Her superstructure is still surprisingly intact, creating fascinating swim-throughs where you can almost hear the echoes of her past. We’ve found huge conger eels peering out from gaps in the plating, and the deck often has a carpet of squat lobsters. It's dark down there, even on a sunny Orkney day, so good lights are essential to pick out the details of the machinery and the scattered debris. Our favourite tip? Take your time, really absorb the atmosphere. The deeper parts of Scapa can feel quite remote, and this wreck really embodies that quiet, sombre beauty. Visibility can be excellent, especially in early summer, making the sheer scale of the ship even more impressive.