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Type: Light Cruiser Konigsberg II class. She was built at Wilhelmshaven by Laiserliches Werft in 1916 and was 497ft long with a beam of 47ft and a draught of 21ft.The Karlsruhe was powered by two coal/oil fired turbines that could take her to speeds up to 28 knots. She was armed with twelve 4.1" guns, two 19.7" torpedo tubes and was scuttled by her crew on 21 June 1919 at 1645 hrs together with the entire German High Seas Fleet .
Wreck Information : The Karlsruhe is the shallowest of the German high seas fleet, she lies on her starboard side with capstans and anchor chain on the bows, and there are two 6 inch guns which have fallen onto the seabed from the deck. The mid section has been salvaged and has opened up the inside of the wreck. The stern is intact and makes a good picture from the seabed if the viz is good.
Harbour / slip: Stromness
Travel directions: Northlinkferries 0845 6000 449. Photographic ID is required on the ferry now
Parking: In the car park opposite to the ferry car entrance.
Distance from harbour: 5.5 Nm
Lat / Long: 58 53 23N, 003 11 18W West side of Cava.
Chart: Admiralty Chart 35, Scapa Flow and Approaches.
Depth: 26m on the seabed and 12m at the shallowest point. Great for Nitrox
Tides: Tide tables
Dive Boat: The Karin Jean Elaine Sharon Rose Sunrise Gaelic Rose Invincible Halton Valkyrie
Day boats: Radiant queen
Dive Shop: Scapascuba
Accommodation: Polrudden guest house Orkney Islands Tourist Board, 01856 872856
Suggested experience: Master diver
Other comments: . If its dark its a good idea to put a strobe 2 m above the highest point of the wreck on the shot line so you dont have to use an SMB. Below is one off the guns from the Karlsruhe at the museum at Lyoness. If you have a couple of hours to spare between dives the Museum is full of things from the High seas fleet and well worth a visit.
Pub: The Ferry Inn & Flatties Bar
Created by: Finstrokes
Date: 12/5/09
Revision: 3
Thanks To: The Karin
Underwater photos: By Mark Milburn
Wreck diagram: Click on the link for detailed plans of the SMS Karlsruhe Plans