Steamship · 1920–1940 · Orkney, United Kingdom
The SS Emerald Wings is notable for her mast and bow sections, which remain visible above the waterline at all tides in Skerry Sound, Scapa Flow. Originally built in 1920 as the SS Depute Pierre Goujon for the French government, she changed hands several times before being renamed Emerald Wings in 1936. In 1940, she was requisitioned by the British Admiralty and scuttled as a blockship.
Today, her remains are scattered across the seabed, with features like her boilers, triple expansion engine, and propeller shaft still identifiable. Divers can also find her anchor, winch, and sections of her stern. However, caution is advised due to the potential hazards of collapsing structures.
7 of 8 facts above are cited in Sources below.
Built 1920; 20 years in service. Lost 1940, scuttled.
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.
EMERALD WINGS is a steamship wreck located off Orkney, United Kingdom at a depth of 10 metres. The vessel was lost by scuttling in 1940. The wreck is diveable.
EMERALD WINGS lies at 8 to 10 metres depth, Scapa Flow, Orkney.
EMERALD WINGS was deliberately scuttled on 1940, off Orkney, United Kingdom.
As reported, diving the EMERALD WINGS 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 EMERALD WINGS are May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 6°C in winter to 14°C in summer.
EMERALD WINGS 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 |
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| 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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