Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 102769 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Scapa Flow holds more than its fair share of history, and while the battleships get all the glory, some of our favourite dives are on the smaller, lesser-known wrecks. The Unnamed Shipwreck, Canmore 102371, is a prime example. We've spent a few hours here over the years, and each time it reveals a bit more. The wreck itself isn't massive, but it's remarkably intact in places, with plenty of nooks and crannies to peer into. We love finning slowly along the hull, watching common lobsters scuttling back into the shadows and the intricate patterns of hairy sea-mat covering the exposed metal. It’s a dive that rewards patience. You won't find dramatic swim-throughs here, but rather a chance to really appreciate the slow colonisation of steel by marine life. Beadlet anemones cling to every surface, looking like jewels, and if you take your time, you'll spot common pipefish blending in perfectly with the kelp. It’s a calmer dive than some of the deeper blockships, making it a good choice for those newer to wreck diving in Scapa Flow, or when the weather has kicked up a bit of a fuss topside. Keep an eye out for thornback skate on the surrounding seabed, too; we’ve had some cracking encounters there.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
59.150368, -4.342814
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Sule Skerry

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 102769

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 102769

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