MV Captain Keith Tibbetts

MV Captain Keith Tibbetts‏‎ is a Russian-built frigate that was later sunk to create an artificial reef and scuba diving site in the Cayman Islands. The ship was originally named Patruller and was part of the Soviet fleet before being purchased by the Cayman Islands government in 1996.

History

The Patruller was built in 1984 in Nakhodka, Russia, as part of the Soviet Union's Koni class of frigates. These ships were designed for anti-submarine warfare and were equipped with torpedo tubes, anti-aircraft guns, and depth charges. The Patruller served in the Black Sea Fleet until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

In 1996, the Cayman Islands government purchased the Patruller and renamed it the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts‏‎ in honor of a local fisherman and marine conservation advocate. The ship was then sunk off the coast of Cayman Brac to create an artificial reef and scuba diving site.

Diving Site

Today, the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts‏‎ is one of the few diveable Soviet-era warships in the Western Hemisphere. The ship lies in 90 feet (27 meters) of water, with the top of the ship only 30 feet (9 meters) below the surface. Divers can explore the ship's bridge, engine room, and crew quarters, as well as the exterior of the ship.

The MV Captain Keith Tibbetts‏‎ is home to a variety of marine life, including coral, sponges, fish, and crustaceans. The ship's structure also provides shelter for larger species, such as groupers and barracuda.

See Also

• Artificial reefs
• Scuba diving in the Cayman Islands
• Marine conservation