Wreck of Hsl 117
Protected Area
Fair Isle
Why dive here
With 140+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - Wreck of Hsl 117 offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The HSL 117 is a different kind of Scapa Flow wreck, and we love it for that. She’s a High Speed Launch from World War II, sunk in the 1940s, and rests intact in fairly shallow water. You can still make out the machine gun turret, the twin Packard engines, and the general lines of her sleek hull. We’ve always found this site to be wonderfully atmospheric, particularly when the sunlight filters through the kelp, illuminating the wreck’s details. It’s an excellent dive for those who appreciate history and enjoy exploring a more accessible wreck. The mast reaches up, a signpost covered in plumose anemones, and the deck offers plenty to poke around in, with various fish darting in and out of the structure. Given the relatively shallow depth, it’s a great spot for a longer dive, allowing time to really soak in the details and perhaps even spot some of the resident wrasse or blennies. The visibility can vary, but even on a murkier day, the wreck’s defined shape still makes for an engaging dive. We’d suggest going at slack water for the easiest conditions.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 13°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
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Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Wreck of Hsl 117
Wreck of Hsl 117 Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of Hsl 117, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (58.64, -3.16) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
13°C
55°F · Range: 11.4–13.8°C
Air Temperature
10°C
50°F
Wind Speed
9.26 m/s
18.0 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1005.3 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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