The first images of the sunken warship HMS Vanguard have been released by divers given special permission to explore the wreck in the Scapa Flow.

It will be 100 years on July 9 since HMS Vanguard exploded and sank off Orkney with the loss of 843 lives.

Safeguarded under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986, diving is not permitted at the site except under a special licence from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

A team of specialist divers aboard Orkney dive boat MV Huskyan were given permission to visit the wreck.

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Emily Turton, of MV Huskyan, said: “The main wreck is complicated with an extensive debris field.

“Surprisingly, given the nature of her loss, both the bow and stern are intact despite large pieces of wreckage having being thrown hundreds of metres away.”

Survey: Diver examines wreck of the HMS Vanguard. Bob Anderson/Marjo Tynkkynen

She added: “HMS Vanguard was legally salvaged during the second half of the 20th century and much evidence remains.

“It is accepted that the likely cause of the disaster was an accidental magazine explosion.

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“Witness accounts on the night of her loss describe a large explosion immediately behind the bridge. We can reveal that our initial survey result supports this.”

The survey team is made up of specialists who explored HMS Hampshire in June 2016.

A full sonar survey of the wreck site has now been completed with the help of Kevin Heath of Sula Diving, which provides an insight into the ship’s condition after a century underwater.

A report will now be compiled for the MoD, Historic Environment Scotland, Orkney Marine Services and other interested organisations.

Scapa Flow: HMS Vanguard went down with more than 800 men aboard. Bob Anderson/Marjo Tynkkynen

Ms Turton said: “The purpose of this survey is to tell the story of HMS Vanguard at 100 years under water. We also hope to offer a sensitive contribution to the centenary commemoration in July this year.”

The HMS Vanguard fought in the Battle of Jutland, the largest naval battle of the First World War.

More than 8500 British and German seamen died during the 36-hour conflict off the coast of Denmark in May 1916, which changed the course of the war.

Warship: HMS Vanguard fought in Battle of Jutland.

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The Vanguard crippled the German light cruiser SMS Wiesbaden and engaged a number of German destroyers.

Scapa Flow is popular with divers because of the number of wrecks hidden beneath its waters.

A total of 74 vessels from the German High Seas Fleet were scuttled or beached in the Scapa Flow following the end of the First World War.

It was used as a base by the Royal Navy’s Grand Fleet during the conflict.