NBM Dive Site Resource
SM U-102
Orkney offshore, Scotland offshore, United Kingdom
World War I Type U 57 submarine wreck east of Orkney, documented by technical divers at approximately 80 metres.
Save this dive site to your free member profile.
Featured Hero Photograph
Aquatic life at this dive site
What divers may encounter
Three reviewed connections are featured here. Sightings vary by season, conditions, and chance, so they are never guaranteed.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Site media
Photographs
Three views rotate from the published gallery on each visit.
Contributor media
Dive videos
Three featured video positions are reserved on every profile.Regional location and nearby land
Location map
Regional map includes nearby land for orientation. Historical loss areas are not surveyed wreck positions; no precise marker is inferred.Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Recent field observations
Diver-reported temperatures
Automatically checked observations from dives during the past 14 days. Three reports are visible at a time; scroll for more.A report that passes the automatic checks will appear here with the dive date, diver’s display name, and temperatures at each depth.
Reports are automatically checked for plausible dates, depths, and temperatures. They are observations, not forecasts; confirm conditions before diving.
Why divers know this place
Highlights
Diver identification research uses the unusual aft gun arrangement and hull damage. Linked primary research includes underwater photographs and accounts from visiting technical divers.
Shipwreck-only module
The wreck
This section appears only on shipwreck records and brings the vessel, its loss, present condition, access, and responsible wreck-diving considerations into one place.
- Vessel type
- German World War I Type U 57 submarine
- Year built
- 1917 (launched)
- Year sunk
- 1918
- Cause of loss
- Probably mined east of Orkney between 28 and 30 September 1918 while returning to Germany; all 42 aboard were lost.
- Present condition
- Primary research describes damaged bow and an opening aft of the conning tower. Historical diver observations; current condition requires confirmation.
- Penetration guidance
- External historical context only; this listing does not authorize penetration or recovery.
Before you arrive
Access notes
World War I wreck documented by technical divers at approximately 80 m. Regional map only; current access, permissions and conditions require confirmation with qualified local support. This record documents a technical-diving research wreck; public charter availability or access permission is not implied. Treat the wreck as a naval grave. Confirm permissions and present conditions with local authorities and qualified expedition support.
Plan within your training
Conditions and hazards
Deep offshore water, decompression exposure, variable currents and visibility, entanglement, damaged and unstable metal, and possible ordnance. No penetration or recovery is authorized by this listing.
Independent resource notice
This record is a starting point for independent verification. Access, closures, moorings, weather, currents, depth, visibility, operator availability, and site conditions can change without notice. Confirm current information with the responsible operator, property owner, managing authority, or another qualified local source before planning or attempting a dive.