Wreck of Ruemera - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Osterhav is pure Scapa Flow magic, a wreck that really rewards a thorough exploration. She lies on her starboard side, about 15m deep, her bow pointing northeast, and even in Scapa's often moody light, her character shines through. We love working our way along her deck, spotting everything from plump lumpsuckers clinging to the plating to the surprising flash of a reddish crab scuttling into a crevice. This isn't just a pile of metal; it’s a living reef. The interior is open enough in places for easy penetration, revealing machinery festooned with anemones. Our favourite spot is the engine room, though you need to watch your buoyancy in there. The Osterhav is perfect for anyone keen on wreck history without the extreme depths or currents of some of Scapa's bigger sites. It's a great second dive of the day, when you're looking for something a bit less demanding but still packed with atmosphere.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.782800, -1.880024
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 Ruemera

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 Ruemera

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