Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 102911 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Right, so the "Unnamed Shipwreck" in Scapa Flow, or Canmore 101988 as the official folks call it, is a lovely little dive, often overlooked for its bigger, more famous neighbours. We love it for that reason alone; you often get it all to yourselves. It’s not about grand scale here; it’s about the quiet intimacy of a well-preserved, smaller vessel, probably a trawler or a freighter, settled on the seabed. Dropping down, the water often has that rich, green Orkney hue, but the visibility can be surprisingly good, sometimes pushing 15 metres. As you near the deck, the shape becomes clearer, encrusted in those deep-sea greens and oranges. We’ve spotted some truly massive curled octopuses here, tucked into crevices, their eyes watching you with an almost human curiosity. The deck is a carpet of dabberlocks and Irish moss, swaying gently, and if you hover just above, you’ll see the flashes of sprat darting in and out of the hold. Look closely for the speckled sea-louse, perfectly camouflaged. This site is brilliant for wreck enthusiasts who appreciate the finer details and the quiet invasion of marine life. It’s also a good choice for newer wreck divers, as the currents here are typically manageable compared to other Scapa Flow sites. For us, it’s a tranquil dive, offering a genuine sense of discovery without the pressure of a deeper, more challenging wreck.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
60.156650, -1.125559
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Noss

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 102911

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 102911

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