Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101713 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Wreck of ACW 11 (Possibly) in Scapa Flow, that's a peculiar name, isn't it? We actually call it "The Barges" because, well, they're clearly barges. This site offers a genuine glimpse into Scapa Flow's history without the solemnity of the larger battleships. Dropping down, you're immediately struck by the sheer volume of metal, broken and twisted, lying across the seabed. It’s a shallower dive than many in the Flow, which we love, giving you more bottom time to really poke around. The barges themselves are heavily encrusted. Think thick carpets of crumb-of-bread sponge in yellows and oranges, interspersed with patches of pink plate weeds clinging to the rusting steel. Light-bulb sea squirts glow faintly in the gloom. We often see common lobsters tucked into crevices, their antennae waving as you approach. The visibility can vary, but even on an average day, the sheer scale of the wreckage is impressive. You can trace the outlines of what were once working vessels, now completely given over to the sea. It's a fantastic spot for photographers looking for that moody, industrial-meets-nature shot. We'd suggest this site for anyone looking for a more relaxed Scapa dive, something a bit less demanding than the dreadnoughts, but still packed with atmosphere.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.784450, -2.167496
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Rosehearty to Fraserburgh Coast

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 Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101713

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 Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101713

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