Wreck of Victory - Scapa Flow, Orkney

The Star of Victory, a trawler sunk after colliding with a battleship in 1919, offers a real sense of Scapa Flow’s history without the intimidating scale of some of the bigger German fleet wrecks. It’s not a huge wreck, but that's its charm; we love how explorable it is. We usually drop in just off the bows, letting the current carry us gently aft. The wheelhouse is often our favourite part, though it's showing its age now. You can picture the crew there. Look for the small congers that have made homes in the tighter spaces, their heads poking out from the gloom. Around the hull, we always find lumpsuckers clinging fast, and the light-bulb sea squirts add an unexpected splash of colour in the otherwise moody greens and greys. Visibility can vary wildly here, from a glorious 10 metres to a silty 3, so checking conditions is key. It’s a great dive for anyone looking for an intimate wreck experience, a proper piece of history that’s become a vibrant, if chilly, habitat.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.613610, -1.785076
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Loch of Strathbeg

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 Victory

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 Victory

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