Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101802 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Okay, let's talk about the Unnamed Shipwreck, Canmore 101802. Scapa Flow has more famous names, sure, but this one has a quiet charm we really appreciate. It’s not about grand scale or intact superstructures here; it’s about the intimacy of discovery. We love how the metalwork, twisted and broken, has become a canvas for the cold-water corals and anemones, especially the feathery white ones that filter the nutrient-rich water. Dropping down, the visibility can be variable, as is the way with Scapa, but even in murkier conditions, the wreck emerges with a ghostly presence. You'll find yourself tracing the ribs of what was once a vessel, now a home for blennies peeking from crevices and the occasional inquisitive wrasse. It’s an ideal dive for those who enjoy exploring smaller, more delicate wreck ecosystems, where macro life thrives in the shadows. We’d suggest a good dive light to really pick out the colours of the encrusting life; they glow when illuminated, a stark contrast to the ambient grey-green. Keep an eye on the bottom for flatfish, too, often hunkered down trying to blend into the silty seabed.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.841385, -2.604402
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Cullen to Stake Ness 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 101802

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 101802

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