Wreck of the RMS Rhone
Virgin Islands, British (UK)
The Wreck of the RMS Rhone lies off Salt Island in the British Virgin Islands and is one of the Caribbean's most famous shipwreck dive sites. The RMS Rhone was a Royal Mail Ship built in 1865 with an iron hull and innovative engineering features such as a bronze propeller and surface condenser. She served routes between Southampton, Brazil, and later the Caribbean. On October 29, 1867, during the San Narciso Hurricane, the Rhone was caught in the storm near Salt Island. Despite efforts to escape to open sea, the ship was wrecked on an underwater reef known as Blonde Rock. The disaster resulted in the loss of 123 lives. Today, the wreck is a protected historic site and a popular destination for scuba divers attracted by the well-preserved remains and abundant marine life. The site offers a unique glimpse into 19th-century maritime history and engineering, set amidst the natural beauty of the British Virgin Islands.
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Consejo: The best time to dive the RMS Rhone wreck is during the dry season from December to May when sea conditions are calmer. Divers are advised to arrange guided tours with certified dive operators familiar with the site. Advanced diving skills are recommended due to the depth and currents. Purchasing dive packages or tickets in advance can ensure availability, especially in peak season. Visitors should respect the protected status of the wreck and avoid removing artifacts.
Datos interesantes
- •The RMS Rhone was one of the first ships to have a bronze propeller, a rare innovation at the time.
- •The ship was considered 'unsinkable' due to its design and watertight compartments, yet it was lost in a hurricane in 1867.
- •The anchor of the RMS Rhone remains embedded in Great Harbour, still wrapped around the coral head that trapped it over 150 years ago.
- •The San Narciso Hurricane that sank the Rhone was later classified as a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale.
Historia
The RMS Rhone was built in 1865 by Millwall Iron Works in London as an advanced Royal Mail Ship serving routes to Brazil and the Caribbean.
In October 1867, while sheltering from the San Narciso Hurricane near Salt Island, the ship's anchor became caught, delaying escape.
Attempting to navigate between Salt Island and Dead Chest Island, the Rhone struck Blonde Rock and sank, killing 123 people.
The wreck has remained largely intact underwater and has become an important historical and recreational diving site in the British Virgin Islands.
Guía del lugar
Main Wreck Site1867
The main wreck lies at a depth suitable for experienced divers, showcasing the iron hull, engine parts, and remnants of the ship's structure. The site is teeming with tropical marine life, including corals, sponges, and fish species, making it a vibrant underwater museum.