St. Kitts has created an exciting new underwater attraction, enhancing its growing reputation as a world-class dive destination. A decommissioned aircraft has been carefully prepared and sunk off the island’s coast at Potato Bay, creating a new wreck dive for visitors.
*All details correct at time of publish (06 May 2026)
The plane was generously donated by Sylvester Williams, owner of Island Auto Supplies, with the project delivered through a partnership between government ministries, regulatory bodies and private industry – all united by a shared commitment to sustainable marine tourism.
The aircraft, originally stationed at the Robert L. Bradshaw (RLB) International Airport in St. Kitts, underwent an extensive and multi-phase inspection process in preparation for submersion.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources worked closely with all partners to ensure that every environmental and safety standard was carefully met, including the complete removal of fuel and oil from the aircraft and the flushing of both systems to eliminate any risk of contamination to the marine environment.
The St. Kitts Bureau of Standards carried out a comprehensive, independent assessment of the aircraft, screening it for a full range of potential hazards, including radiation.
Following the successful completion of inspections and confirmation that the aircraft posed no environmental or public safety risk, the Bureau formally granted approval for submersion.
The project originated largely thanks to the generosity of Sylvester Williams, who has seen a decommissioned asset transformed into a lasting attraction for St. Kitts and the global diving community.
The Ministry of Tourism championed the project, recognising the power of underwater attractions to diversify St. Kitts’ tourism offering, while the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources oversaw the submersion process and safeguarded the island’s marine environment throughout.
On the water, Regiwell Francis and the team at St. Kitts Marine Works delivered the marine logistics and technical expertise to ensure a safe, precise deployment, while Kenneth Dive Centre brought the specialist dive know-how to position the new wreck as a safe, accessible and memorable attraction for divers of every level.
Beyond its appeal as a dive attraction, the submerged aircraft represents a meaningful contribution to the health and biodiversity of the local marine ecosystem.
Artificial reef structures of this kind are well documented to accelerate coral growth, attract fish populations, and support the regeneration of marine life over time.
The aircraft is expected to become a thriving underwater habitat, benefiting not only divers and tourism operators but also the fishing community and the broader coastal environment for generations to come.
This project stands as a model for how thoughtful, sustainability-driven initiatives can deliver lasting value for both people and nature.
The submerged aircraft is now open to divers, with all of St. Kitts’ dive operators offering trips to the site. Set to draw both local and international visitors, the new wreck is creating fresh economic opportunities and further cementing St. Kitts’ status as a premier Caribbean dive destination.
St. Kitts can be easily reached from London Gatwick via twice-weekly, direct flights with British Airways.
For more information about St. Kitts, go to www.visitstkitts.com.
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