Wreck of Fitful Head - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The MS Jan Heweliusz wreck off Bornholm isn't your average sunny, tropical dive. This is proper northern wreck diving, and we absolutely love it for that. The Heweliusz, a Polish ferry that capsized in a storm in 1993, now lies upside down in around 25-30 metres of water. It's a sombre place, steeped in history, but also a fantastic habitat. Dropping down, the sheer scale hits you. The hull, with its distinctive bow ramp, stretches out. You’ll often find yourself in low visibility, maybe 5-10 metres, which adds to the atmospheric gloom. We've often seen schools of Pollock darting through the superstructure, and lumpsuckers clinging to exposed metalwork. It’s cold water, so a drysuit is a given, but the adrenaline keeps you warm. Exploring the deck areas, now the underside, is disorienting but fascinating, with debris scattered around. It’s a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the challenge and the raw history. Go in summer for the best chance of decent visibility.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
60.264465, -1.196889
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: East Mainland Coast, Shetland

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 Fitful Head

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 Fitful Head

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