Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101870 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Right, Scapa Flow. It’s not about bright colours or balmy water, is it? It’s about history, cold steel, and that incredible atmosphere. The Unnamed Shipwreck, Canmore 101870, is a perfect slice of that. We love this site because it’s surprisingly intact for something that’s been down there for decades, and it still feels like a secret, unlike some of the more famous, picked-over wrecks in the Flow. Dropping down, the visibility in Scapa is usually decent, but it’s that deep green hue that really sets the scene. You’re descending onto history, feeling that slight chill seep into your gloves. This isn't a massive battleship, more of a working vessel, probably a blockship, sunk intentionally. It’s shallow enough that you get good light penetration, illuminating the structure as you swim along the deck. You can really get a sense of its original form – the ribs of the hull, the bulkheads – still holding firm. We’d suggest exploring the stern first, often a good spot to find a resident wrasse or a grumpy crab scuttling into the shadows. Keep an eye out for the delicate white sea anemones that cling to the metal, little bursts of life on the rust. It’s a dive for those who appreciate the quiet dignity of a wreck, where every beam and plate tells a silent story.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.865830, -1.993077
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 101870

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 101870

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