Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101817 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The SMS S54 isn't the biggest name in Scapa Flow, but it’s a dive we always enjoy for its sheer character. This destroyer, scuttled in 1919, lies in a manageable depth, making it accessible to more divers than some of its battleship neighbours. We love tracing the distinct lines of the bow and stern, easily identifiable despite the years. What makes S54 special is the way the marine life has really embraced it. Expect to see the metalwork cloaked in colourful anemones and dead man’s fingers. Look closely in the nooks and crannies; you’ll often spot bull rout peering out, or the scuttling movement of wrinkled swimming crabs. The visibility can vary, as with much of Scapa, but even on an average day, the wreck’s shape and the dense growth around it provide plenty to explore. It’s a fantastic introduction to Scapa Flow’s wrecks, particularly if you’re looking for something that feels truly reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.697315, -2.159862
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Rosehearty to Fraserburgh 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 101817

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 101817

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