Wreck of Mfv Sovereign - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Diving Scapa Flow, you’re often looking at the German High Seas Fleet, but the Seriano offers something different. This isn't a scuttled warship, but a cargo vessel torpedoed in 1940. We love how intact she feels, lying on her port side at around 24 meters, her bow pointing towards the buoy. Drop down the line and you’ll see her mast reaching up, a real navigation point. Swim along the deck and you can peer into open holds, often filled with large shoals of saithe swirling in the filtered light. Look out for wolf-fish tucked into darker crevices; their grumpy faces are always a highlight. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the prop is still in place, encrusted with colourful anemones and dead man’s fingers. The visibility here can be superb on a good day, but Scapa always requires a sturdy drysuit. This wreck is a brilliant dive for those who want a piece of wartime history that isn't from the German fleet, and it’s generally sheltered enough for confident open water divers with a bit of wreck experience.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.683334, -1.941662
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Cairnbulg to St Combs 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 Sovereign

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 Sovereign

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