wreck

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Wreck of Rotherfield

The SS *Rotherfield* is a real favourite of ours in Scapa Flow, especially for those who appreciate a wreck with a story and a fair bit of grit. She lies on her starboard side, reasonably intact for a ship that met her end in 1914. Dropping down, you hit the bow first, and it’s a lovely swim along the deck where you can see the cargo holds gaping open. We’ve always found the visibility here to be pretty good on a slack tide, letting you pick out details like the anchor chains and the superstructure. What we love about the *Rotherfield* is the way nature has reclaimed her. The bulkheads are thick with plumose anemones, creating a soft, colourful carpet against the rusted steel. Look closely and you’ll spot butterfish darting in and out of the plating, and the occasional inquisitive poor cod peering from a dark corner. The stern section is particularly interesting, with the propeller still largely in place, a classic photo opportunity if your buddy is on point with the torch. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, perfect for those days when you just want to soak in the atmosphere of a well-preserved piece of maritime history.