Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101732 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Yc21 wreck in Scapa Flow isn't about massive structures or deep penetration. It’s about the unexpected beauty of decay and how nature reclaims things. We love dropping onto her, usually finding decent visibility for Scapa, maybe 8 to 12 metres, which for this part of the world feels generous. She’s a smaller blockship, sunk intentionally in 1919 to block the eastern entrance, lying broken but mostly intact, often with a slight current that brings in the smaller stuff. Our favourite thing is exploring the nooks and crannies. You’ll spot Corkwing wrasse darting between plates, and we often find butterfish tucked into shadowed corners, their colours surprisingly vivid against the rust. The Light-bulb sea squirts glow on the darker sections, little pockets of bioluminescence. Keep an eye out for conger eels, too, sometimes peeking from larger openings. This wreck is fantastic for photographers who appreciate macro life and the textures of a century-old steel hull. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration rather than grand theatrics.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.644756, -1.711434
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Loch of Strathbeg

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 101732

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 101732

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