Wreck of Mfv Majestic - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Zarefah isn't one of Scapa Flow's behemoths, but we think it’s a brilliant dive for those who want to get hands-on with a wreck. She was a trawler sunk by a mine in 1916 and now lies broken in three main sections. You’ll find her off Cava, usually a nice sheltered spot. We love weaving through the debris field, poking into the twisted metal and imagining the trawl nets still hanging from her davits. The stern section, with its intact prop shaft, is our favourite. Keep an eye out for dogfish tucked into crevices and the jewel anemones that add surprising splashes of colour to the dark metal. Visibility here can vary, but on a good day, the light filters through the kelp, creating an eerie, atmospheric dive. It's a proper rummage, a good few dives exploring every nook and cranny, and perfect for photographers looking for an intimate wreck subject rather than a wide-angle marvel. Stronger currents can whip through here, so pick your slack carefully.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.476820, -1.668152
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Bullers of Buchan Coast

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 Mfv Majestic

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 Mfv Majestic

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