Thursday, August 15, 2024 From 17th-century vessels to relics from World War II, here are four iconic shipwrecks that are accessible to visitors. 1. USS Kittiwake, Grand Cayman Launched by the U.
S. Navy in 1945 and decommissioned in 1994, the USS Kittiwake was deliberately sunk off the coast of Grand Cayman in 2011 to serve as an artificial reef. Today, it’s one of the most famous and largest shipwrecks that can be easily explored.
Located at Seven-Mile Beach, the 251-foot vessel attracts snorkelers and scuba divers alike, offering a chance to see nearly 500 species of marine life, including garden eels, stingrays, sea turtles, and barracuda. The Cayman Islands are home to over 240 accessible shipwrecks, including the USS Kittiwake, Oro Verde, and Captain Keith Tibbetts, making it a prime destination for shipwreck enthusiasts. 2.
Port of Veracruz, Mexico Off the coast of Veracruz, Mexico, lies a treasure trove of sunken ships. One notable wreck is the C-50 Naufragio Vicente Palacio Riva, a World War II-era ship that was intentionally sunk in the 2000s. The wreck is now a vibrant habitat for coral colonies, sea sponges, and various marine species.
Another famous site is Las Carcachas, an old cargo ship that sank nearly a century ago. Divers can explore the vehicles it once carried and encounter marine life such as giant groupers, lobsters, lionfish, and schools of amberjack. 3.
The Vasa, Sweden The Vasa, one of the most fascinating shipwrecks, is now on display at the Vasa M.
