Wreck of SMS B109 (secondary location) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The HMS Hyperion in Tabarka is one of those wrecks that really sticks with you. We’ve always been drawn to wrecks with a bit of a story, and this G-class destroyer, sunk in 1940, certainly has one. Dropping down, you start to make out the distinct lines of a warship, the bow still proud, then the midsection where the bridge once stood. It’s not just a pile of metal; there's structure, rooms you can still peek into, and a sense of its former life. What we love most about the Hyperion is how the Mediterranean has reclaimed it. Schools of anchovy pulse around the mast, so thick sometimes they momentarily block out the light. We’ve often seen loggerhead turtles gliding by, seeming to inspect the wreck themselves, and on one memorable dive, a Thornback skate settled right on the deck. It’s a site for divers who appreciate history but also want to see how marine life adapts to these artificial reefs. If you’re looking for a wreck with atmosphere and a decent chance of encountering some larger pelagics, the Hyperion is a solid pick. We’d suggest going in late morning; the sun angle really brings out the colours on the metal.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.837930, -3.190589
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Switha

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 SMS B109 (secondary location)

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 SMS B109 (secondary location)

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