wreck

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Wreck of Grace Darling

Scapa Flow has its share of big, imposing wrecks, but we have a real soft spot for the Grace Darling. She’s a smaller trawler, sunk in 1940 after a collision, and that intimacy is what makes her so appealing. You can really get a feel for the whole vessel, from bow to stern, without needing multiple dives. We love exploring the wheelhouse, still largely intact, imagining the crew’s last moments on watch. The Grace Darling sits upright, making navigation straightforward, even in the sometimes-murky Orkney visibility. You'll often find a decent amount of light penetrating down, highlighting the riot of plumose anemones that cling to every surface. They really do make the wreck glow with their delicate white and orange tentacles. Look closer, and you'll spot plenty of squat lobsters tucked into crevices, along with inquisitive wrasse flitting between the superstructure. Our tip? Take your time around the stern, where the prop is often buzzing with small fish and, if you’re lucky, a curious conger eel peering from a pipe. It's a fantastic dive for those who appreciate the story of a smaller vessel and the resilient life that’s made it home.