wreck

Log This Dive

Wreck of Maria-W

The Maria-W is one of our favourite dives in Scapa Flow, especially if you’re into penetrating wrecks that feel like a proper time capsule. She's not one of the scuttled German fleet, but a much later cargo vessel that went down in 1960. You drop onto her deck at about 18 metres, and she’s mostly intact, listing hard to starboard. The wheelhouse is a great starting point, surprisingly open, then you can follow her down into the cargo holds. Inside, it’s dark, silty, and utterly atmospheric – torch beams cutting through the gloom reveal stacks of coal, which was her cargo. This isn't a deep dive, but it feels substantial. We love the way the light filters through the deeper sections, picking out cod and pollack resting in the shadowed corners. Visibility here can be excellent, making the scale of the holds even more impressive. It’s a dive that rewards careful exploration, perfect for divers with some wreck experience looking for a genuine journey into the past.