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Wreck of Thomas Stratten

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.