Bianca C, Reflections

BIANCA has been 51 years this week, at least when you count only the days on the bottom of the ocean. She is one of the worlds most magnificent ship wrecks, that should be on every divers bucket list who feels a lust for rust. We had our first date 15 years ago, when we started Aquanauts Grenada. It was love on first sight. Very little was known in the diving community about this sunken treasure, "the best kept secret" of some techies. Back then parts of the bridge still have been standing and we could watch the "dance of the eagle rays" through the windows. We created the "Titanic of the Caribbean" and many divers have come since to see it. The last year has been tough on the old Lady. Just after the 50th birthday celebration, the mast fell down. Since then the ship has been changing dramatically. During the last 2 month the whole starboard side has collapsed. The smoke stack sits now at 50 meters upside down on the sand. The bottom of the pool is at 135 feet. Decks have crumbled and safe penetrtation is almost impossible. The majestic bow is still standing and still blows my mind every time I'm sitting on the bottom looking up. This is "my cathedral". She still is a great dive, but better stay outside and enjoy one of the worlds largest wrecks and the wonderful marine life around. The eagles are still dancing.....