SMS Karlsruhe (1916)

A light cruiser for the shallows. SMS Karlsruhe was a German light cruiser scuttled with the High Seas Fleet at Scapa Flow in June 1919. She lies on her side in relatively shallow water, and being shallower and more broken than the great battleships she makes an approachable introduction to the German fleet wrecks for less experienced Advanced divers.

A collapsing but characterful wreck. Years of salvage and decay have opened the Karlsruhe up, so divers can peer among the twisted plating at guns, machinery and the recognisable lines of a warship. The more open structure and shallower depth make navigation easier than on the deep, intact battleships nearby.

A gentler Scapa profile. Lying at around 26 metres, the Karlsruhe is within the reach of competent Advanced Open Water divers comfortable in cold water, making her one of the most dived of the fleet. Drysuit diving, good buoyancy and awareness of the collapsing metal are still needed, but the depth is forgiving by Scapa standards.

Cold-water colour. The wreck is richly encrusted with plumose anemones and hosts wrasse, pollack and other North Sea life. As a protected historic site she is explored and left undisturbed, dived from Stromness hardboats. Late spring through early autumn brings the longest daylight, warmest water and calmest seas over the wreck.