Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101797 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Scapa Flow is littered with history, but some of our favourite dives are the ones where you have to dig a little for the story. The Unnamed Shipwreck, Canmore 101797, is one of those. You drop into the cool, green embrace of the Flow, descending onto metal that has settled into the seabed, now a rough canvas for anemones and mussels. It’s not one of the colossal battleships, but that's what we love about it – it feels more intimate, more discoverable. As you explore, you’ll find sections of hull, ribs of steel, and scattered debris, each piece a home for inquisitive wrasse and the occasional squat lobster tucked into a crevice. We’d suggest a good torch, not just for peering into the darker sections, but to really bring out the subtle colours of the growth. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the quiet dignity of a less-known wreck, who enjoy piecing together the outline of a vessel from its remains. Visibility can vary, but even on a greener day, the wreck’s contours emerge slowly from the gloom, adding to the sense of discovery. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration rather than a quick swim-through.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.719734, -2.384955
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Southern Trench

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 101797

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 101797

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