wreck

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Wreck of SMS Von der Tann

Diving the SMS Von der Tann is like stepping into a time capsule, albeit one that’s been tipped upside down. This wasn’t just any Scapa Flow scuttling, the Von der Tann rolled completely, so you’re exploring an inverted behemoth. We love the sheer scale of it, and the way the light filters through the cracks and holes in the hull plates, creating an eerie, almost cathedral-like atmosphere. You’ll spend most of your dive navigating the exterior, circling the enormous propellers – some of the largest in Scapa – and working your way along the massive hull. Keep an eye out for the wolf-fish tucked into crevices and the plump congers peering out from behind twisted metal. Visibility here can be surprisingly good on a calm day, but those currents can really pick up, so it's best suited for experienced cold-water wreck divers comfortable with deep diving and sometimes challenging conditions. Our favourite spot is undoubtedly the stern, where the prop shafts rise out of the seabed like giant, rusted columns.