Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101863 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Scapa Flow's 'Unnamed Shipwreck', or Canmore 101863, is one of those dives that reminds you why we come to Orkney. No grand name, no famous story, just a solid, chunky wreck that delivers every time. We've always found it feels more intact than some of its better-known neighbours, with ribs and plates forming proper swim-throughs, not just tangled debris. It’s got that classic Scapa Flow character, dark and moody, but surprisingly full of colour once your eyes adjust. What we really love about this site is the way the light filters through the structure. It creates these dramatic shadows and highlights, especially on a brighter day. You’ll find plenty of plumose anemones, vibrant orange and white, clinging to the steel, alongside the usual wolf fish and various wrasse darting in and out of the crevices. We've even spotted conger eels tucked away in the bigger openings. This is a dive for those who appreciate the raw beauty of a historical wreck, where the structure itself is the star, and marine life just adds to the atmosphere. It’s a rewarding dive for experienced cold-water wreck enthusiasts.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.779728, -1.954740
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 101863

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 101863

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