Scuba Class

In the spring of 2010, we started our scuba diving classes at The Dive Shop.  We spent six weeks learning, studying and practicing for our open-water checkout to become PADI-certified scuba divers.

We all passed our open-water checkouts in August and are now certified. 

We are looking forward to spending a week sailing and scuba diving in the British Virgin Islands.  We will be diving "The Chimney" at The Dogs, (West Dog, George Dog and Great Dog are all islands) and the Wreck of the RMS Rhone off of Salt Island.

RMS RHONE
The Royal Mail Steamer Rhone (310 feet long) was one of the first iron hulled ships.  It was powered by both sail and steam.  It was anchored outside Great Harbour, Peter Island on the morning of October 29, 1867 to take on cargo and stores when the barometer began to fall, hinting that the good weather might deteriorate.

"About 11am, the barometer suddenly fell to 27.95 degrees.  The sky darkened, and with a mighty roar a fearful hurricane blew from the north/northwest.  The howling wind whistled through the shrouds and tore at the rigging.  With engines going at full speed, the ship rode the storm."

The Rhone weighed anchor during a lull and steamed seaward at full speed in order to ride out the remainder of the storm on the open sea.  When she rounded the last point of land, the hurricane struck forcing her onto the rocks at Salt Island.  When the cold seawater entered the hot boilers, they exploded and she sunk instantly.  Of the 150-300 peole on board, only 22 crew members and one passenger survived.  One hundred years later, in 1967, the area became a Marine Park.

The shipwreck was featured in the 1977 film, The Deep.