Wreck diving Grand Cayman - USS Kittiwak
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- | This is | + | This is the top wreck dive in Grand Cayman and one of the best in the Caribbean. The USS Kittiwake was reefed a about 18 months ago and the shipwreck site is maturing well. The shipwreck has five decks, is 251.6 ft (76.7 m) in length, 42ft (12.8 m) in beam and around 50 feet high. The ship was designated specifically for submarine rescue and was launched on July 10, 1945 and which was sunk in Grand Cayman on January 5, 2011. |
- | + | The following is a description of the dive, some history and information about the vessel and an guide of what you can find on the wreck. You can see the entire [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/ photo gallery] on the web site and/or see the blog entry for the [http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/dive-site-reviews-and-listings/dive-sites/scuba-diving-grand-cayman-uss-kittiwake-shipwreck/ USS Kittiwake] for supplementary data on the shipwreck plus a history about the ship. | |
- | + | What you will find on the Dive: | |
- | The ship was reefed | + | The ship was reefed January 5, 2011 off the north end of Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman. |
- | There are five decks on the [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000Wcb0w0RopvI USS Kittiwake]. | + | There are five decks on the [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000Wcb0w0RopvI USS Kittiwake]. To meet caymanian requirements for wrecks, a portion of the upper mast was removed. The are two bridges on the upper decks (both an external and internal bridge to allow operations in heavy seas) along with the navigation and radio rooms. The has also been removed from the ship. The Captain and executive officer's quarters are also on the upper decks. |
- | On the main deck, from bow to stern, internally you will find the mess hall, | + | On the main deck, from bow to stern, internally you will find the rec room, mess hall, ironing room, small tool workshop and recompression chambers.. You will note the large [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000nrOSPnFJRtU a-frame structure] on the stern that supported submarines and hard hat divers, along with the diving bell that was used to bring back divers to the ship and to then move to the recompression chambers |
- | + | The crews quarters, the engine room and medical facilities are located below the main deck along with ,[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000QmV9jUuDJyQ air bank storage] and compressors, as well as the steering gear, shaft, gyro, ammunition lockers, cold storage and barber shop to name a few areas. While there are now a number of big[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000evHtkg3GaYQ access holes] in the sides of the ship, every space on the vessel was utilized while in service. | |
- | + | It is important to plan your dive well. I would recommend heading to the stern prior to entry into the ship to take photographs around the[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000MlfKl.47lgI "USS Kittiwake" logo] on the the backof the ship and also get pictures by the screw (propeller) and rudder. For Divers that plan on penetrating the shipwreck, you can then make your way to the top of the ship then enter via the main funnel that is on on the Bridge Deck. If you do not intend on entering the wreck you should begin your exploration on the deck just above the Propeller. | |
- | The main [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000ndu7PcxF.bM entry through the funnel | + | The main [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000ndu7PcxF.bM entry through the funnel makes an excellent underwater photograph] . try silhouetting your dive partner in the shaft diving down into the wreck. You can then exit the shaft on the first platform or in the cargo hold. Note the hold deck does not have any exterior exit points and is not recommended for divers that do not have an advanced certification and prior wreck experience. When you exit to the first platform you will be able to see the Engineering emblem in the Motor Room section. This area is easily accessible and makes for a especially good underwater photo near the "[http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/USS-Kittiwake-Grand-Cayman/G0000JtpXOPWAQac/I0000Y0UeUwX5JJc Engineering Mural]". The sediment can be heavy at this point so you need to move slowly to prevent clouding up the water. For experienced divers you may also look at shaft alley and the front hold regions of the ship. For others you can view the various compartments on the first platform and then start going up deck by deck until finally arriving at the Bridge (Pilot House) where you can do your safety stop. |
- | + | Review images of other [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Shipwrecks/G0000OtMyTETA74I/ shipwrecks] on http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com or visit his [http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/dive-site-reviews-and-listings/dive-sites/scuba-diving-grand-cayman-uss-kittiwake-shipwreck/ blog] for reviews of other shipwrecks. |