Wreck of Hylas (Possibly)
Protected Area
Loch na Cartach
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 Hylas (Possibly) offers some of Scapa Flow, Orkney's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 8-14°C, warmest July, August, September.
The HMT Royal Edward offers a profound dive, a proper piece of history right here in the Mediterranean. We love a wreck with a story, and this former troopship, sunk in 1915, tells a grim one. You descend onto what feels like a ghost, an enormous, broken hull resting on the seabed, typically in pretty good visibility that lets the full scale sink in. Expect to see vast sections of the ship’s structure – ribs, decks, and bulkheads – now heavily encrusted and serving as artificial reefs. Schools of white seabream drift through the shadows, while wrasse pick at the growth. Look closely, and you'll spot red lionfish tucked into crevices and the occasional marbled spinefoot grazing on algae. The Royal Edward isn't about intact cabins or machinery; it's about the sheer size and the feeling of diving through a moment frozen in time. This dive suits experienced wreck divers who appreciate historical context over colourful corals. The depth and potential currents mean it’s not for beginners, but for those with the skills, it’s a truly humbling experience.
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 Hylas (Possibly)
Wreck of Hylas (Possibly) Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Wreck of Hylas (Possibly), 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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