Wreck of William H Welch (Bow Portion) - Scapa Flow, Orkney

Diving the HMHS Rewa is a proper adventure, not for the faint of heart, but incredibly rewarding if you’ve got the experience. We're talking about a massive ocean liner, lying on her side, broken but still retaining that ghost-ship grandeur. Dropping down, you often hit a green gloom, but then the ship starts to materialise, dark and imposing. Inside, the sheer scale of the corridors and cabins is humbling; you can almost hear the echoes of its past. Our favourite parts are the bow and stern sections, where the ship’s structure is most intact, creating fantastic swim-throughs and enormous overhangs. The marine life here isn’t about colourful corals, it’s about the drama of the deep. Great pink sea fans cling to the deeper sections, fanning out into the current. Look for those giant anglerfish, masters of camouflage, tucked into the debris, and we've often spotted big nursehounds cruising the deck plates. Dogfish and smooth hounds are practically residents, weaving through the metalwork. It's a dive that demands respect for its history and its depth, but for serious wreck enthusiasts, the Rewa is an absolute classic. We suggest picking your day carefully; slack water is key, and anything less than a gentle swell on the surface will make the dive less enjoyable.

Location
Scapa Flow, Orkney, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
57.867430, -5.690152
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Wester Ross

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 H Welch (Bow Portion)

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 H Welch (Bow Portion)

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