Exploring the Ex-USS Kittiwake Wreck: Grand Cayman's Dive Site of History and Marine Life

Unraveling the Depths: The Ex USS-Kittiwake Wreck in Grand Cayman

This week, our exploration takes us to the Ex-USS Kittiwake wreck in Grand Cayman. In this review, we dive into the history, dive details, and essential tips for discovering this iconic underwater site, including its connection to the Challenger disaster.

Historical Insights: The USS Kittiwake, a former U.S. Navy submarine rescue vessel, found a new purpose beneath the waves as an artificial reef in Grand Cayman. Commissioned in 1945, the Kittiwake served the Navy faithfully for decades. Her poignant moment came in 1986 during the Challenger space shuttle disaster recovery, where she played a crucial role in retrieving debris from the wreckage.

The intentional sinking of the Kittiwake to become an artificial reef in 2011 marked a groundbreaking moment in marine conservation and underwater exploration. With careful planning and collaboration between environmentalists, government agencies, and dive enthusiasts, the former U.S. Navy submarine rescue vessel transitioned from a retired military asset to a dynamic and thriving ecosystem beneath the waves. The deliberate submersion of the Kittiwake was not just an act of repurposing; it was a strategic effort to promote biodiversity and provide a sustainable habitat for marine life. Today, the Kittiwake's transformation into an artificial reef stands as a testament to the potential of responsibly repurposing retired structures, contributing not only to the preservation of underwater environments but also to the enhancement of divers' experiences seeking adventure and discovery.

However, the Kittiwake's story took an unexpected turn in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Nate, in October, 2017. The storm's powerful forces tipped the once-upright wreck onto its side, and pushing it up against the reef, altering the underwater landscape and providing a new perspective for divers to explore.

Dive Details:

• Location: Grand Cayman

• Depth: The Kittiwake, now resting on its side, offers an intriguing dive experience with the uppermost point starting at around 15 feet (5 meters) and descending to a maximum depth of 60 feet (18 meters). This accessible depth makes it an appealing dive for enthusiasts of various skill levels.

• Marine Life: As you navigate the wreck's altered orientation, you'll encounter a diverse array of marine life. The Kittiwake, now a dynamic underwater habitat, hosts schools of colorful fish, curious groupers, and camouflaged moray eels.

• Marine Park: The ship is located within a Marine Park which means that no items may be removed from the wreck and no gloves be worn. Divers must pay a park fee which is paid to your dive operator who will give you a medallion to secure to your BCD.

Dive Tips:

• Visibility: Grand Cayman's clear waters provide excellent visibility, allowing divers to fully appreciate the Kittiwake's imposing structure and the marine life that thrives in and around it.

• Currents: Typically, currents are mild to non existent on the wreck.

• Challenger Memorial: Take a moment to reflect on the Kittiwake's unique historical role as you explore the wreck. The memorial plaque pays homage to the vessel's contribution during the Challenger disaster recovery efforts.

Wreck Exploration:

Explore the Kittiwake's fascinating features, including:

• Hyperbaric Chambers: Delve into the intricate sections of the wreck, including the hyperbaric chambers that once served as crucial components of the submarine rescue vessel.

• The Stack: Descending the stack can be a fun way to get to the heart of the ship. You might be lucky enough to see a large grouper that resides towards the bottom.

• Levels: There are five levels of the ship to explore. Since the ship was purposefully sunk, wires were removed and plenty of holes were opened up making ingress and egress easy for those who want to penetrate the wreck.

• Bridge and Operations Room: Witness the remnants of the ship's command center, where officers once navigated and coordinated rescue missions.

• Engine Room: Descend into the depths to explore the heart of the vessel, where the engines once powered the Kittiwake's missions.

Dive Operators:

Embark on this underwater adventure with reputable operators in Grand Cayman:

• Red Sail Sports: Offering safe and educational dives, Red Sail Sports guides explorations of the Kittiwake wreck, sharing its history and marvels.

• Divetech: With a commitment to marine preservation, Divetech organizes excursions to the Kittiwake, providing a unique perspective on its historical and underwater significance.

• Cayman Turtle Divers: Combining expertise with passion, Cayman Turtle Divers invites divers to experience the Kittiwake wreck, now enhanced by its new orientation.

• Ocean Frontiers: Join Ocean Frontiers for a memorable dive to the Kittiwake wreck, where experienced guides will showcase the wreck's unique features and underwater wonders.

Dive into history and marine wonders as you explore the Kittiwake wreck in Grand Cayman. Whether you're intrigued by its historical significance or the vibrant underwater life, this dive promises an extraordinary journey beneath the surface. Happy diving!