Wreck of shipwreck possibly the Bel Lily - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The UB-116 isn't the prettiest wreck in Scapa Flow, let's be honest. This German U-boat was scuttled by its own crew in 1919, unlike many of the others which met their end in battle or were intentionally sunk later. It's largely broken up now, scattered across the seabed in about 25 to 30 meters. You won't find an intact conning tower or engine room here. What you *will* find, though, is a fascinating archaeological site, best suited for those who appreciate history more than pristine metal. We love poking around the debris field, imagining the moments leading up to its sinking. You'll see pressure hull plating, perhaps a section of torpedo tube, and plenty of smaller bits and pieces. Visibility can be decent, but often you're diving in that classic Scapa Flow green, so bring a good torch to highlight the details. Dogfish often cruise the perimeter, and the wreck itself is home to a surprising number of smaller creatures, from common gobies darting between the metal plates to bright light-bulb sea squirts clinging to the wreckage. It’s a quiet, contemplative dive, a real testament to the Flow's layered past.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.547306, -1.719773
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 shipwreck possibly the Bel Lily

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 shipwreck possibly the Bel Lily

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