Steamship · lost 1915 · Orkney, United Kingdom
The SS Almeria was surveyed as part of the Scapa Flow 2013 Marine Archaeology Survey, revealing her condition and features. Originally built by Laing James & Sons Ltd. in Sunderland, she was a British steamship with a length of 89.3 metres and a beam of 11.6 metres. Initially launched as SS Patapsco, she underwent several name changes and ownership transfers before being purchased by the Admiralty in 1914.
Intended as an accommodation ship, she was scuttled as a blockship in Skerry Sound in 1915. Today, the Almeria lies partially broken in Scapa Flow, with her stern section intermingling with the wrecks of SS Ilsenstein and SS Emerald Wings. Notable features include her propeller, triple expansion engine, and boilers.
Although broken, sections of the hull remain upright, with the stern standing about 4 metres above the seabed.
6 of 7 facts above are cited in Sources below.
Lost 1915.
A reference and a starting point, not a dive plan. Plan any dive with a local professional who knows the site and the conditions on the day.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water temp | 6° | 6.5° | 7° | 8° | 9.5° | 11° | 12.5° | 14° | 13° | 11° | 8.5° | 7° |
| Visibility | 5m | 5m | 6m | 8m | 10m |
A further 4 fields were derived from the wreck’s recorded position rather than taken from a source.
ALMERIA is a steamship wreck located off Orkney, United Kingdom at a depth of 8 metres. The wreck is diveable.
ALMERIA lies at approximately 8 metres depth, Scapa Flow, Orkney.
As reported, diving the ALMERIA is rated beginner and is suitable for newly certified Open Water divers. Minimum certification: Confirm with a local operator. A reference and a starting point, not a dive plan. Plan any dive with a local professional who knows the site and the conditions on the day.
The best months to dive ALMERIA are May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 6°C in winter to 14°C in summer.
ALMERIA is accessed by boat from Kirkwall, Orkney, United Kingdom.
| 18m |
| 18m |
| 14m |
| 9m |
| 6m |
| 5m |
| Access | poor | poor | poor | marginal | good | good | good | good | good | marginal | poor | poor |
|---|
| Marine life | Lowwinter conditions | Lowwinter conditions | Lowwinter conditions | Moderateseason starting; seals present | Moderateseals, wrasse, lobster, soft corals | Highseals, jellyfish, lobster, wrasse, soft corals, pollock shoals | Highseals, jellyfish, lobster, wrasse, soft corals, pollock shoals | Highseals, jellyfish, lobster, wrasse, soft corals, pollock shoals | Goodseals, lobster, wrasse, soft corals | Goodseals, lobster, wrasse, soft corals | Lowwinter conditions | Lowwinter conditions |
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