Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 101873 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Alright, let's talk about the Unnamed Shipwreck, or Canmore 101873, in Scapa Flow. It’s one of those sites that might fly under the radar for some, but for us, it’s a quiet favourite, especially when the main German fleet wrecks are busy. What we love about it is the sheer sense of history, how time and the ocean have blended metal and rock. Dropping down onto this wreck, you’ll find it’s not as intact as some of its neighbours. It's more of a scattered field of history, with hull plates, ribs, and bits of machinery spread across the seabed. This gives it a unique character, less about penetration and more about exploration. We like to really take our time here, tracing the line of a bulkhead or peering into the dark spaces under an overturned plate. The smaller scale means it often feels more intimate, like you’re discovering something personal. Visibility, as always in Scapa, can be a bit of a lottery, but even in murkier conditions, the ghostly shapes emerging from the gloom just add to the atmosphere. Look closely, and you’ll spot a surprising amount of life: plump lobsters peering from crevices, dogfish nestled amongst the debris, and anenomes blooming from the cold metal. It’s a site that rewards patience and a keen eye. Dive this when you want a break from the crowds, or when the weather makes the exposed sites too challenging. It’s a solid choice for those who appreciate the quieter stories Scapa Flow has to tell.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.498380, -1.789474
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 101873

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 101873

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