Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101841 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Wreck of Westray isn’t about grand scale, but intimate detail. This old fishing boat, resting in the shallower reaches near Pierowall, offers a different kind of Scapa Flow experience – less a war grave, more a time capsule of local maritime life. We love how accessible it is, perfect for an afternoon’s drift or for those days when the bigger wrecks are out of reach. As you descend, the wooden hull emerges from the green, encrusted with anemones and dead man's fingers. Our favourite part is nosing around the superstructure; you can still make out the wheelhouse, home now to a surprising number of common lobsters tucked into every crevice. You’ll often find dog whelks clinging to the metalwork, and the light filtering through the water dances over schools of juvenile fish darting between the beams. It’s a gentle dive, generally free from strong currents, making it ideal for photographers keen to capture the wreck’s character and the smaller residents. Look closely in the sand around the wreck for flatfish like dabs. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, a quiet counterpoint to the enormity of the German High Seas Fleet.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.502670, -1.735834
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Bullers of Buchan 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 101841

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 101841

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