Wreck of Thomas Stratten - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Thomas Stratten is one of Scapa Flow’s lesser-dived relics, and that's precisely why we love it. Unlike some of the grander German High Seas Fleet wrecks, the Stratten is a merchant steamer, requisitioned as a blockship during WWI. She was scuttled in 1919 and lies on her starboard side, relatively intact in about 16-18 metres of water. Dropping down, the bow section is a great place to start, with plenty of openings to peer into if you're comfortable with basic wreck penetration. The cargo holds are largely empty, but the metalwork is draped in a thick carpet of plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying gently in the mild current. We’ve found wolf fish tucked into crevices in the engine room, and the resident conger eels here are particularly hefty. It’s a site that really rewards a slow exploration, focusing on the detail rather than grand scale. It’s perfect for divers looking for a more intimate wreck experience, away from the crowds you sometimes find on the main fleet wrecks.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.549564, -6.391671
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Loch na Cartach

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 Thomas Stratten

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 Thomas Stratten

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