wreck

Log This Dive

Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 102263

Alright, so you’re in Scapa Flow, and the sheer number of wrecks can feel a bit overwhelming, but let me tell you about Canmore 102263. This isn’t one of the big German battleships, and that’s precisely why we love it. It’s a smaller, more intimate exploration, a proper old working vessel, probably a trawler or a collier, that went down during one of the less dramatic moments of the war. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the way the light filters through the green-grey water, illuminating the hull’s skeletal remains. It’s broken, yes, but still very much a ship. You can ghost along the deck, peeking into what would have been holds, now filled with a surprising amount of life. Our favourite bit is the stern, where the prop shaft usually lies exposed, often guarded by a grumpy ballan wrasse. The deck plating is draped in dead man's fingers, a bright, almost shocking white against the gloom, and if you bring a good torch, you'll spot plump velvet swimming crabs scuttling amongst the plates. Visibility here can be tricky, so pick a day with lighter winds, and don't rush it; the real joy is in the details, the smaller stories this wreck tells. This site is brilliant for divers who appreciate the history of the everyman ship rather than just the grand warships, and it’s a wonderful spot for honing your wreck penetration skills on something less intimidating.