Wreck of Unnamed Shipwreck - Canmore 102914 - Scapa Flow, Orkney

We’ve spent a lot of time in Scapa Flow, and the "Unnamed Shipwreck" – Canmore 101989 as it’s officially listed – offers a real sense of adventure. It’s a proper Scapa dive, dark and often moody, but that’s part of its charm. Descending onto this scattered wreck, you feel the history of the place. Visibility can shift quickly here; sometimes you’re peering through twenty metres, other times it’s a more intimate five, really pulling you in close to the structure. Our favourite part is the way the wreck has become a home. Jewel anemones cling to the metalwork in bursts of orange and pink, and you'll often find a decent sized pollock darting through the skeletal remains. Look closely, and common whelks are everywhere, slowly making their way across the barnacle-encrusted plates. It’s not the most intact wreck in the Flow, but that broken-up nature means you get fascinating swim-throughs and plenty of nooks to poke a light into, revealing little crabs and darting sprats. We’d suggest diving this one on a slack tide; the currents here can be deceptive, really making you work if you miss the window. Bring a good torch, embrace the chill, and you’ll find a genuinely rewarding dive among the history and the surprisingly resilient marine life.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
60.169888, -1.163798
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 102914

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 102914

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