Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 102162 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Bettina Dancia isn't one of Scapa's German giants, and that's exactly why we love her. She’s a trawler, sank in the 1930s, resting upright in about 16 metres of water – perfect for a longer bottom time and really soaking up the atmosphere. We always find her fantastically eerie; the trawling gear is still very much in place, a ghostly reminder of her working life. Head to the stern to see the propshaft and rudder, then work your way forward. Her wheelhouse is usually the highlight for us, open to the sea and often swirling with saithe. Look closely and you'll spot curled octopus tucked into crevices, their eyes watching you. The deck plates are thick with beadlet anemones, and lobsters peek out from under sections of collapsed plating. It’s an accessible wreck dive, ideal for those who want to get a real feel for a ship without the deep penetration or strong currents often found on the bigger wrecks here. Just remember your drysuit, even in summer the North Sea bites!

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.992912, -2.968340
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Waulkmill

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 102162

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 102162

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