Steamship · 1873–1915 · Orkney, United Kingdom
The firing charge failed. Clio (II) had been brought to one of Scapa Flow's eastern approaches on 27 February 1915 to be sunk across it as a blockship; her anchors were let go in preparation, the charge did not fire, and she dragged east and settled in the channel where she blocked nothing.
The Admiralty report survives, but she was marked only on the drawing of the blockships as sunk, never added to the chart, and afterwards vanished from the record — she is still routinely confused with Clio (I), scuttled in Water Sound the previous April. The 70-metre iron hull, built at Kinghorn in 1873, lies in about seven metres on sand and rock.
The stern is scattered across a skerry, though shaft, rudder and a large winch are identifiable. The bow is the best of her: three metres proud, listing to port, with anchor chain still running from the starboard hawse pipe. Boat access only.
8 of 9 facts above are cited in Sources below.
Clio (II), a British iron steamship built in 1873, was requisitioned by the Admiralty in 1914 and scuttled on 27 February 1915. Intended as a blockship, her anchors were let go, but the firing charge failed, causing her to drag anchor and drift eastward, settling in the channel where she blocked nothing.
Built 1873 by J. Key & Son; 42 years in service. Lost February 27th, 1915, scuttled.
The wreck lies in about seven metres of water on sand and rock, oriented northwest to southeast. The stern is scattered across a skerry, with the propeller shaft, rudder, and a large winch visible. The bow stands three metres proud, listing to port, with anchor chain protruding.
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 | 14m | 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 |
A further 6 fields were derived from the wreck’s recorded position rather than taken from a source.
Clio II is a steamship wreck located off Orkney, United Kingdom at a depth of 7 metres. The vessel was lost by scuttling in 1915. The wreck is diveable.
Clio II lies at approximately 7 metres depth, Scapa Flow, Orkney.
Clio II was deliberately scuttled on February 27th, 1915, off Orkney, United Kingdom.
As reported, diving the Clio II 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 Clio II are May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 6°C in winter to 14°C in summer.
Clio II is accessed by boat from Kirkwall, Orkney, United Kingdom.