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Wreck of City Of Osaka

Scapa Flow is littered with history, but the City of Osaka wreck really stands out for us. It’s a cargo ship, lying on her port side at around 24 meters, and she's surprisingly intact for a vessel sunk during the scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet in 1919. We love how you can still make out the holds, often filled with large shoals of saithe swirling in the gloom, and if you’re lucky, a curious seal might come to investigate your bubbles. Visibility here can be a bit variable, but on a good day, the light filtering through the Orkney green water really highlights the superstructure, now completely encrusted with an amazing tapestry of plumose anemones and dead man’s fingers. Our favourite part is the engine room, which is accessible for those with the right training; it feels like stepping back in time, with gauges and machinery still eerily in place. It’s a deep penetration dive, though, so respect the site and your limits. For divers who appreciate history, a bit of an adventure, and aren't afraid of chillier waters, the Osaka is a real treat. We’d suggest diving this one on a slack tide for the best experience; currents can pick up, making exploration tricky.