The Cayman Islands will augment its reputation as one of the top Scuba diving destinations in the world with the sinking of the USS Kittiwake, slated for Summer 2010.
With this new development, the Cayman Islands will create an exciting new dive attraction and artificial reef, while providing much needed relief for some of the most frequently visited dive sites. The USS Kittiwake, a de-commissioned naval ship, will be sunk on the north end of the Grand Cayman’s world famous Seven Mile Beach, providing underwater enthusiasts of all skill levels with a new year-round diving destination that is both easy to access and a thrill to explore.
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Charles E. Clifford, said the acquisition of the USS Kittiwake will add diversity to Cayman’s diving attractions and promote the preservation of marine life.
The USS Kittiwake was originally commissioned as a Chanticleer-class submarine rescue ship in the United States Navy during World War II. Now it will join the MV Captain Keith Tibbets, a Russian Frigate sunk off the coast of Cayman Brac in 1996, as one of the greatest artificial reefs in the Caribbean.
We are looking forward to the sinking of this ship and to watching the reef grow and expand! Our mooring on the West Side will be very close to where the ship will be placed and it will be amazing for divers and snorkelers alike.
Gary is a PADI Master Instructor and an RYA 200 ton Off Shore. Having worked all over the world as a dive instructor and boat captain. He has spent the last 20 year based in the Cayman Islands. Together with his wife Liz they have built the number one scuba diving operation in the Caribbean.