Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101809 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Scapa Flow holds more than just the big German fleet; there are dozens of smaller, often overlooked wrecks. The 'Unnamed Shipwreck' at Canmore 101809 is one we truly enjoy. We’re talking about a smaller vessel, probably a trawler or a collier, that settled upright on the seabed. It's not a deep dive, usually around 15-20 metres, making it perfect for a relaxed exploration, especially if you’re looking for something beyond the intimidating battleships. What we love about this wreck is how approachable it is. The structure is still largely intact, giving you a clear sense of its original form. You can swim over the deck, poke your head into the hold if the visibility is playing nice, and just absorb the quiet history of it all. It’s absolutely smothered in life too. Expect to see wolfish peering out from nooks, plumose anemones waving like ghostly fingers, and nudibranchs grazing on the metal. Our favourite part? Finding the resident conger eels coiled amongst the twisted plates, often surprisingly unafraid. It’s a cracker of a dive for photographers or anyone who appreciates the intimate beauty of a lesser-known wreck.

Location: Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates: 57.768610, -2.754103
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)

Nearest Dive Centres to Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101809

The Diving Cellar

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

Protestant (Clupea harengus) - Reef Fish
Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) - Reef Fish
Cowfish (Tursiops truncatus) - Whales & Dolphins
whiting (Merlangius merlangus) - Reef Fish
dab (Limanda limanda) - Reef Fish
harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) - Whales & Dolphins
grey gurnard (Eutrigla gurnardus) - Reef Fish
long rough dab (Hippoglossoides platessoides) - Reef Fish
dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) - Sharks & Rays
Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) - Reef Fish
poor cod (Trisopterus minutus) - Reef Fish
sprat (Sprattus sprattus) - Reef Fish
Common minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) - Whales & Dolphins
Split (Scomber scombrus) - Reef Fish
Norway Lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) - Crabs & Lobsters
Common dragonet (Callionymus lyra) - Reef Fish
lesser argentine (Argentina sphyraena) - Reef Fish
white-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) - Whales & Dolphins
Common sea star (Asterias rubens) - Starfish
Soldier (Chelidonichthys cuculus) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101809

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