Wreck of Borgfelde - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The SS Lamoricière isn't just a hunk of metal on the seabed, it’s a time capsule. We love how the story of its dramatic sinking in 1942 still feels palpable when you descend onto the wreck. You can trace the outlines of what was once a grand passenger liner, now heavily broken but still recognisable, especially the bow section which points defiantly towards the surface. As you navigate the twisted steel and collapsing decks, keep an eye out for enormous schools of hake that drift like silver clouds through the interior spaces, and we’ve often spotted loggerhead turtles making a leisurely patrol around the stern. For divers who appreciate history woven into their underwater experience, this site is a real privilege. Just be prepared for potential currents; sometimes they’re negligible, but a good push can make exploring the deeper sections a bit more challenging.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
60.451077, -1.496159
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Eshaness Coast

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 Wreck of Borgfelde

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 Wreck of Borgfelde

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