Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 102252 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Rosewood. Now, there's a name that conjures up images of forgotten history, sitting deep in the chill embrace of Scapa Flow. We love this wreck for its quiet dignity and the sheer scale of the cargo holds, still packed tight with coal. Dropping down, you're immediately struck by the sheer volume of the wreck, she’s a big one, spread across the seabed. Look for the large, intact propeller and rudder, which are always a highlight. The ship's structure provides plenty of shelter, so you’ll often find saithe hanging out in the darker corners and common sea stars clinging to the bulkheads. We'd suggest keeping an eye out for the Devonshire cup corals; their delicate orange polyps really pop against the dark steel. The visibility here can be decent, especially on an incoming tide, making navigation through the superstructure a real pleasure for those with good buoyancy. It’s a solid dive for anyone comfortable with cold water and deeper wrecks, offering a tangible connection to Scapa Flow’s past without being overly challenging.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
58.845970, -3.196725
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Hoy

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 102252

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 102252

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