Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101869 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Descending onto the Unnamed Shipwreck in Scapa Flow, we’re always struck by the sheer scale of the place. It's not one of the famous battleships, but this isn't some small boat either. You're met with the ghostly outline of what was once a substantial vessel, now a skeletal framework on the seabed. We love picking out the twisted metal plates and feeling the cold embrace of the Orkney waters as you fin through the structure. It’s the mood here we keep coming back for, that quiet reverence of a piece of history returning to the sea. Shoals of saithe often swirl around the darker sections, and we’ve seen some decent-sized conger eels tucked deep within the ribs of the wreck. Keep an eye on the ambient light – on a brighter day, the contrast of the wreck against the muted grey-green water is truly something. This site really suits divers who appreciate historical context and the way nature reclaims man-made objects.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.725338, -1.763966
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Cairnbulg to St Combs 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 101869

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 101869

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