lost 1969 · Orkney, United Kingdom
The steam trawler James Barrie, originally named Benella, encountered trouble when she ran aground at Lother Rock near South Ronaldsay. After two days, she floated off the rocks, unmanned, and drifted into the Pentland Firth. The lifeboat Grace Paterson Richie attempted to tow her to safety, but she sank at the entrance to Widewall Bay.
Today, the James Barrie lies on her starboard side in Scapa Flow. Although her bronze propeller has been removed and many brass items salvaged, notable features like the starboard anchor, winch, and masts remain. The top of her steam engine is visible, and the rudder rests on the seabed.
4 of 5 facts above are cited in Sources below.
Lost 1969.
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.
JAMES BARRIE is a ship wreck located off Orkney, United Kingdom at a depth of 43 metres. The wreck is diveable.
JAMES BARRIE lies at approximately 43 metres depth, Scapa Flow, Orkney.
As reported, diving the JAMES BARRIE is rated technical and is requires technical diving qualifications including decompression procedures. 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 JAMES BARRIE are May, June, July, August, September. Water temperature ranges from 6°C in winter to 14°C in summer.
JAMES BARRIE is accessed by boat from Lyness, 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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