The Elinor Viking is notable for the dramatic rescue operation that followed her stranding. Built in 1974 by John Lewis and Sons Ltd, she was a British diesel-powered trawler operating around Shetland. On a stormy day, she was swept onto the rocks of Vee Skerries, necessitating a perilous rescue. A British Airways helicopter crew, assembled spontaneously, braved severe weather to save the crew.
Using a winch, they managed to hoist the crew to safety despite the challenging conditions. The Elinor Viking eventually slipped off the rocks, becoming a total wreck. Her remains now rest on the east side of the reef named Reaerach, though recent dive reports are unavailable.
Year built
1974John Lewis and Sons Ltd
Lost
1977
Tonnage
122 GRTdiesel
Length
24.18 m6.79 m beam
Depth
20 mIntermediate grade
Minimum cert.
Confirm with a local operator
Location
Shetland, United Kingdom
6 of 7 facts above are cited in Sources below.
History and LossLost 1977 · Shetland, United Kingdom.
Built 1974 by John Lewis and Sons Ltd; 3 years in service. Lost 1977.
Condition of the Wreck
Notable Features
Winch
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.
Depth, Access and DifficultyGraded Intermediate · Certification unverified.
Open water 33Advanced 34Deep 36Technical 25Trimix 15
18304060140
Seasonal Conditions
Seasonality for ELINOR VIKING: water temperature, typical visibility, surface access and marine life, by month.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Water temp
8.6°
7.9°
7.7°
7.9°
8.9°
10.5°
12.3°
12.8°
12.3°
11.4°
10.6°
9.5°
Visibility
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Additional Details5 further fields held for this wreck and not shown above.
Builder
John Lewis and Sons Ltd
Propulsion
Diesel
Loss date
1977
Latitude
60.3745° N
Longitude
1.8102° W
Sources and VerificationEvery cited fact on this page traces to a published source.
AUSTRIA20 m, intermediate, iron steamship Cromptonintermediate, cargo vessel F218 m, intermediate, warship GREENOCK30 m, intermediate, bucket dredger
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ELINOR VIKING?
ELINOR VIKING is a ship wreck located off Shetland, United Kingdom at a depth of 20 metres. The wreck is diveable.
How deep is the ELINOR VIKING?
ELINOR VIKING lies at approximately 20 metres depth.
What certification do you need to dive the ELINOR VIKING?
As reported, diving the ELINOR VIKING is rated intermediate and is suitable for divers with an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. 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.
20 m
20 m at the deepest — deeper than 38 of the 143 diveable wrecks in this database, past the advanced threshold.