Scapa Flow was a strategic naval base in Scotland and an important asset for the German Navy during World War I. As the war came to an end in November 1918, the German High Seas Fleet (HSF) was stationed there and, as part of the terms of the armistice, were ordered to surrender and await internment.
In June 1919, the interned German ships were scuttled in the deep waters of Scapa Flow by their crews in protest at the terms of the Versailles Treaty. The scuttled vessles included a number of battleships, armoured cruisers and light cruisers. The wrecks are a popular destination for scuba divers.
Related trip report: Scapa Flow 2022.
