Bianca C

Also known as: MV Bianca C

An engine room explosion set the liner on fire off St. George's on 22 October 1961, and most of the roughly 700 people on board got ashore with the help of local boat owners. The British frigate HMS Londonderry later took her in tow to clear the harbour, but the line parted in a squall and she sank about 2 km off Grand Anse, coming to rest upright on her keel with her top at around 30 m and the seabed at about 50 m. The rear part of the ship has since broken off together with one of her two swimming pools, while the forward pool remains and is a favourite part of the dive. Black coral, hydroids and deep-water sponges cover the hull, and jacks, barracuda and eagle rays are regular visitors. Depth and possible strong currents keep bottom time short, so operators normally require a checkout dive and may end on the shallower Whibble Reef.