Name:

The Wreck of the Rhone

Location:

Salt Island, British Virgin Island

Type of Dive:

Boat Dive, Wreck Dive

My Most Recent Dive Here:

12/26/2005

Reasons to Make the Dive:

A very historic wreck and lots of life to see.

Life to See:

Lots to see, too much to remember...but the coolest was a Puffer Fish like the character Bloat from Finding Nemo.

My Own Personal Rating:

10/10

Directions/Coordinates:

I dove with Sail Caribbean Divers for this dive.  Our boat left from Tortola, British Virgin Islands.  This is a great charter operation, and I highly recommend them if you're in the area.  The boat was nice; the dive masters were friendly and professional.

Other Reviews, Site Maps and Resources for This Site:

BVI Diving Site, Some Video, and I'll try to find others...there are some good sites out there.

Description:

This is normally done as a two-tank dive.  Due to some technical difficulties (namely a weight belt that slipped around my ankles, fairly high surf, and rapid air consumption on the surface), I aborted the first dive.  After taking the advice of the ship's first mate, Eamon, I moved all of the weight from the belt to my BC and made a great second dive.  Due to my troubles, though, I decided against taking the camera.  I didn't want to be "task overloaded."  Even though I regret not having pictures, I think it was a good idea.  For the rest of the divers, the first dive was to the deeper bow section of the boat.  This is where some of the famous scenes from The Deep were filmed.  I'll save my discussion for the second dive of the stern section.  We went down the anchor line and found part of the mast, then went through most of the hull.  Sites to see include large custom wrenches, the water pump, parts of the boiler, hull pieces, the "lucky porthole", the silver spoon, and the grand finale, the prop and rudder.  I've heard there's a friendly barracuda that lives here, but I didn't get to see it.  After going around the prop and rudder, my air was low (that's a common theme for me, as I use air quicker than the other divers) so our dive master, Jenny, dropped me off at the anchor line so I could make a slow ascent and safety stop, then she continued with the others.  I have to say, I was blown away by how much of the structure is still intact.  It is quite impressive.  Again, though, I felt overwhelmed with all that I wanted to see.  I feel as though I could dive this site five days in a row and still miss some thing.  I can't wait to go back!  If you're ever in the area, I recommend the Rhone as a great dive.

Home

Training

Gear

Dive Buddy

Dive Sites

Critter List

Resources