Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 102242 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Lapland is a Scapa Flow staple, and honestly, one of our favourites for a relaxed dive with a real sense of history. It’s not the biggest wreck in the Flow, nor the most intact, but there’s a quiet dignity to it. Dropping down, you’ll find sections of hull plating and frames spread across the seabed, gradually silting over. We love the way the light filters through the kelp, making the rusted steel glow. You'll see plenty of fish, too – ballan wrasse often dart between the twisted metal, and we've spotted inquisitive conger eels peeking from beneath plates. The sense of scale, knowing this huge ship once floated, then sank, is always present. For photographers, the ambient light and the way the marine growth softens the wreck's harsh lines offer some fantastic moody shots. It’s a site that suits divers who appreciate historical context and a calmer exploration, rather than those hunting for huge intact structures. Come here when the visibility is good, and you'll find it really tells its story.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.812370, -3.165587
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Switha

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 102242

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 102242

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