Wreck of shipwreck possibly the Sarah Anne - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Llanishen wreck is one of those Mediterranean dives that just sticks with you. We love a good piece of history, and this Welsh freighter, sunk by a mine in 1917, has definitely earned its stripes. Dropping down onto the deck, you immediately get a sense of its age – the metal is heavily concreted, covered in sponges and red coral. Our favourite part is nosing around the cargo holds; they’re pretty open, letting in shafts of light that reveal schools of cardinal fish darting around. You’ll often spot common octopus tucked into crevices, their eyes watching you, and we’ve had some fantastic encounters with big fork-beards and the occasional dark tonguefish lurking on the sandy seabed nearby. It’s a fantastic dive for anyone who appreciates the character of an old wreck, rather than a perfectly preserved one. The marine life here is the real star, transforming a casualty of war into a living reef. We'd suggest going early to avoid any boat traffic, especially in summer. Keep an eye out for sea scorpions camouflaged on the deck plates – they’re masters of disguise!

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.721700, -1.698649
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Fair Isle

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 Sarah Anne

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 Sarah Anne

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