Wreck of Hmt Brora - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMT Brora, a trawler requisitioned by the Royal Navy during WWII, lies fairly intact in the murky embrace of Scapa Flow. It’s one of those wrecks we keep coming back to because it truly feels like a journey back in time, not just another pile of metal. You’ll fin down through the green water and suddenly her bow emerges, often with an anglerfish lurking in the shadows. The wheelhouse is still largely there, letting you peek inside, imagining the last moments of her crew. We love exploring her holds, dark and quiet, where the local wrasse dart between the rusted frames. Keep an eye out for the plumose anemones, they coat almost every surface in a fuzzy, white carpet, a stark contrast to the deep gloom. The Brora is a great dive for those who appreciate the history of these waters, and she’s a particularly forgiving Scapa Flow wreck, often less prone to the stronger currents that can plague other sites here. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the prop is often visible, still defiant against the slow decay.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.770435, -7.046570
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Northton Bay

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 Hmt Brora

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 Hmt Brora

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