Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101730 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Akranes, for us, often gets overlooked in Scapa Flow, which is a shame because it's a beauty. This trawler, sunk in 1952, sits upright on the seabed, usually in around 18-20 metres, making it a cracker for those comfortable with a bit of current and a decent bottom time. The real draw here is how intact she is; you can fin along the deck, peer into the holds, and even get a sense of her working life. We particularly love the stern, where the prop shaft stretches out, now a home for feathery hydroids and a haven for poor cod. It's not a huge wreck, but that means you can properly explore it without feeling rushed, taking in the details like the winches and the remains of the superstructure. Visibility can be a bit of a lottery, as it always is in Scapa, but when it’s good, the light filtering down onto the wreck gives it a really atmospheric feel. Keep an eye out for the big congers often tucked away in crevices, and the dog whelks clinging to the metalwork, a constant reminder of how life reclaims these forgotten vessels. This one suits divers who appreciate a well-preserved wreck with a genuine sense of history, and aren't afraid of a bit of a chill.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.691370, -1.826550
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Cairnbulg to St Combs 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 101730

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 101730

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