wreck

Log This Dive

Wreck of U-27

The U-27, a German U-boat sunk early in World War I, isn't always the first wreck divers think of in Scapa Flow, but we think it deserves a closer look. It’s a compelling contrast to the towering dreadnoughts and cruisers that often steal the show. Lying mostly intact on its side, the U-27 gives you a real sense of its claustrophobic scale. You can still make out the torpedo tubes at the bow and the conning tower, which lies at an angle, making for some interesting swim-throughs if you're appropriately trained and equipped. We love exploring the deck guns, which are still in position, and imagining the scene over a century ago. The currents here can pick up, so we always suggest diving on a slack tide for the best experience. The wreck is heavily colonised; you'll find lumpsuckers tucked into crevices and spotted rays often glide past the hull. Keep an eye out for the iridescent bristles of sea mice in the silty areas around the wreck – they're surprisingly beautiful. It’s a dive that offers both a poignant historical narrative and a thriving, if chilly, marine ecosystem.