Battleship · 1914–1919 · Orkney, United Kingdom

SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm

Also known as SMS Kronprinz.

The real draw is the main armament: half of the original complement of 12-inch guns remain visible and reachable, turret after turret lined up along a hull that still measures 146 metres on the seabed.

StatusProtected sitePermitRequired
Type
BattleshipGerman
Year built
1914Germaniawerft, Kiel
Lost
June 21st, 1919Scuttled
Casualties
0World War I — Scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet
Length
175.4 m29.5 m beam
Depth
12–43 m
Location
Orkney, United KingdomScapa Flow

4 of 7 facts above are cited in Sources below.

Deeper than 139 of the 185 wrecks on the map with a recorded depth.

  • Depth: 43 m shown; range in sources 37–43 m. Other published figures exist (why sources disagree).

History and LossLost June 21st, 1919 · Scuttled · World War I — Scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet · Orkney, United Kingdom.

Fourth and final Konig-class dreadnought. Armed with 10 x 30.5cm guns, 14 x 15cm guns. Fought at the Battle of Jutland. Interned at Scapa Flow and scuttled on orders of Rear Admiral Ludwig von Reuter.

Built 1914 by Germaniawerft, Kiel; 5 years in service, also recorded as SMS Kronprinz. Lost June 21st, 1919, scuttled during World War I — Scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet.

0lives lost on June 21st, 1919.

Condition of the WreckLargely intact, lying tilted — port side uppermost, in 12–43 m.

Intactness

Tilted with port side uppermost. Overall length on the seabed measured at 146m. The vast scale of the wreck is immediately striking.

Notable Features

  • Multiple 12-inch gun turrets still visible
  • Impressive scale — 146m on seabed

Regulations and RestrictionsProtected site · Permit required.

This is a legally protected site. Scheduled monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (Historic Environment Scotland). A permit is required to dive this site. Diving permit required from Orkney Islands Council Harbours department.

No artefact removal — scheduled monument.

Additional Details17 further fields held for this wreck and not shown above.

Nationality
German
Flag
German Empire
Builder
Germaniawerft, Kiel
Propulsion
Steam turbine
Loss date
June 21st, 1919
Conflict / event
World War I — Scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet
Latitude
58.89° N
Longitude
3.17° W
Water body
Scapa Flow
Protection regime
Scheduled Monument / Scapa Flow Historic Marine Protected Area
Artefact restrictions
No artefact removal — scheduled monument
Restrictions
Diving permit required from Orkney Islands Council Harbours department
War grave
No
Protected
Yes
Permit required
Yes
Condition
Largely intact
Orientation
Tilted — port side uppermost

Sources and VerificationEvery cited fact on this page traces to a published source.

Background reading is listed for context and is not counted as a citation for the facts above.

  • Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Historic Environment Scotland.
  • Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright and database right.

A further 7 fields were derived from the wreck’s recorded position rather than taken from a source.

Licences and credits for the open data used on this site are on the Attribution page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm?

SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm is the wreck of a battleship, off Orkney, United Kingdom, at 43 metres. SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm was scuttled in 1919.

How deep is the SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm?

SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm lies at 12 to 43 metres, 0.75 mile NE of Cava, Cava Sound, Scapa Flow.

How did the SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm sink?

SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm was scuttled on June 21st, 1919 during World War I — Scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet, off Orkney, United Kingdom. No lives were lost.

Is the SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm protected?

Yes. SMS Kronprinz Wilhelm is protected: scheduled monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (Historic Environment Scotland).