Wreck of Muriel (Possibly) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The **SMS *Lake Neuchâtel*** isn't one of Scapa Flow's 'big' German fleet wrecks, and that's precisely why we love it. There's a quiet charm to this site, a sense of discovery that you just don't get at the more heavily dived cruisers. She was a Blockship, sunk deliberately in 1914 to obstruct the Sound of Fara. The wreck lies upright, with a gentle list, and at around 12-18 metres, it’s accessible to most divers. You drop onto the bow, often greeted by the curious eyes of a resident common lobster peeking from a dark crevice. The plating is draped in a thick tapestry of star ascidians and blue mussels, with bladder wrack swaying gently in the mild current. We particularly enjoy exploring the cargo holds; they’re open and easy to navigate, with plenty of swim-throughs for a sense of penetration without the commitment. Keep an eye out for dogfish tucked into the sand nearby, and the occasional snake blenny darting amongst the debris. Visibility here can surprise you, especially on an incoming tide when the water really clears up, giving you a good view of the ship’s structure against the green light. This wreck is a wonderful contrast to the deeper, darker sites, offering a relaxed dive with a real sense of history.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.549767, -1.768376
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Loch of Strathbeg

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 Muriel (Possibly)

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 Muriel (Possibly)

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