Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101799 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Okay, so Scapa Flow. Everyone talks about the big German battleships, and don't get us wrong, they're incredible. But for something a little different, a bit more intimate, we’ve always had a soft spot for the 'Unnamed Shipwreck', or Canmore 101799. It’s not a giant, but that’s its charm. The wreck is pretty broken up, mostly a debris field of hull plates and ribs scattered across the seabed, almost like someone just tossed a giant's set of Meccano overboard. What we love here is the sheer density of life that has colonised every single surface. Expect to find walls of plumose anemones, their white tentacles swaying with the gentle surge. Look closer amongst the collapsed sections and you’ll spot wrasse, blennies, and often a decent-sized conger eel peering out from a dark crevice. It’s a photographer's dream for macro shots and for those who enjoy poking around, imagining the ship's final moments. This site is definitely one for the curious diver who appreciates history and the tenacious beauty of North Atlantic marine life. We’d suggest going at slack water to really take your time and explore the smaller nooks.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.726395, -2.471614
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Whitehills to Melrose 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 101799

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 101799

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