Wreck of William Butler - Scapa Flow, Orkney

When we talk Scapa Flow, everyone thinks of the German High Seas Fleet. But for us, the William Butler offers a different kind of immersion, a grittier, more personal story. This isn't a destroyer, but a steam trawler, sunk in 1918 by a mine. The wreck lies broken, her bow section distinct from the stern, a testament to the explosive force that tore her apart. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the way the light filters through the green Orkney water, giving the metal a muted, ethereal glow. Her boiler is still largely intact, a big, imposing cylinder that we love to circle, often finding conger eels peering from dark recesses. There are plates and ribs everywhere, covered in anemones and dead man’s fingers, which add surprising splashes of colour against the rust. We find it’s a brilliant dive for photographers who want to capture the solemnity of a working vessel lost to wartime. Explore the debris field around her, you'll often spot squat lobsters and crabs scuttling amongst the smaller pieces. Visibility can be hit or miss, so check local reports before you head out. When it's good, though, the sense of history is palpable.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.496820, -1.774751
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Bullers of Buchan Coast

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 William Butler

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 William Butler

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