Artificial Awe
8/22/2006 2:00:04 PM by Noah Chanin // Divers Direct
The Russian Frigate 356 a.k.a. Captain Keith Tibbets just off the Cayman Brac is a 330-foot artificial reef with as many surprises as one underwater world can hold.
Photos by Stephen Frink
Not far from Bloody Bay Wall, just a few hundred yards off Cayman Brac, lies the Russian Frigate 356, more commonly referred to as the Captain Keith Tibbets. The 330-foot ship was purchased from Cuba and intentionally sunk as an artificial reef in 1996. She lies on her side in about 80 feet of water, with her starboard hull reaching up to about 40 feet. Such shallow depths are unique for a ship of this size, luring snorkelers from around the world to the site.
It’s amusing to note that most dive boats in the Caymans are not equipped with depth sounders, both a testament to the extensive mooring system installed by the government, as well as to the crystal-clear waters of the Caymans. In fact, even without the mooring balls, finding the Tibbets would be pretty easy since you can see the wreck in detail from above the surface. Though a fairly young wreck, the ship is adorned with sponges and coral, and has quickly become home to many species of fish. To one side of the wreck is a coral reef, making the ship easily accessible to all of the reef’s diverse inhabitants. To the other side is open sand, the favorite stomping - or should we say flying - grounds of Caymanian stingrays.
Upon its sinking, the ship landed soundly, but an intense 2004 hurricane season broke the ship into several pieces. Though some would consider this less impressive, many believe it makes for even better exploring. The broken pieces of aluminum offer welcomed asylum to the ocean’s smaller inhabitants.
The superstructure of the ship is fairly intact, especially the impressive radar tower. It must be the similarity to the intricacies of a reef that draws thousands of schooling fish here. Approaching the top of the tower, the fish seem completely unfazed. As if in some kind of stupor, the fish usually begin to circle as though onlookers were part of the tower.
And then there are the guns. No Russian frigate would be complete without giant turrets fore and aft. If you’ve ever thought you might need a wide-angle lens, here’s your excuse: a picture of you decked out in your fancy gear hovering over a dual barrel Communist enforcer. Staring down those barrels will make you wonder how “cold” the War actually was.
Quick Splash
Any SCUBA diver remembers staring at the bottom of a swimming pool learning how to control his or her buoyancy. For Stephen Frink and the rest of our crew, proper buoyancy is essential to taking sharp pictures and avoiding contact with the reef. The best way to control buoyancy is to wear the proper amount of weight, never too much, and remain aware of your breathing.