Rhone Marine Park -
Salt Island

Wreck of the RMS Rhone
Salt Island

The wreck of the Rhone is the is the most celebrated dive site in the BVI as well as the only Marine National Park in the British Virgin Islands.

The Rhone, a Royal Mail Steamer, sunk during an 1867 hurricane with 125 passengers and crew.

At 310 feet long and 40 feet wide, the ship is broken into two parts. The bow sits in the shallower 30 foot region while the stern rests much deeper, at 90 feet.

The impressive wreck is still intact in several sections. Sections of the vessel still intact include decking, parts of the rigging, the steam engine, and the huge propeller.

The main section of the marine park covers from Lee Bay on Salt Island west to Dead Chest Island. A second portion of the park is located where the Rhone's anchor broke away outside Great Harbour, Peter Island.

Numerous dive operators visit the Rhone daily but are not allowed to anchor anywhere near the wreck. Instead the dive boats must tie up to mooring buoys installed by the National Parks Trust. to ensure there will be no anchor damage to the bottom.

Other dive sites in the park include Rhone Reef, Blonde Rock, and Painted Walls. If moorings are unavailable around the Rhone, vessels are required to use the Salt Island Settlement or Peter Island anchorages.

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