Holidaymakers to St. Kitts can enjoy a new wreck-diving experience off the Caribbean island’s coast following an historic aircraft submersion
Basseterre, St. Kitts (30 April 2026) – 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.
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 inspections and confirmation that the aircraft posed no environmental or public safety risk, the Bureau formally granted approval for submersion.
The project was originated largely thanks to the generosity of Sylvester Williams, which has seen a decommissioned asset transformed into a lasting attraction for St. Kitts and the global diving community.
Following his donation of the aircraft, it became an island-wide effort to bring the vision to life. 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 Center 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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Press Information for St. Kitts Tourism Authority
Contact: Cat Hamilton / Anita Clements
Tel: +44 (0) 7879 440 663 / +44 (0) 7557 908 454
Email: cat@hamilton-pr.com / anita@hamilton-pr.com
Website: www.hamilton-pr.com
About the Contributing Organisations:
Ministry of Tourism, St. Kitts: Responsible for the development and promotion of St. Kitts as a leading tourism destination in the Caribbean.
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources: Oversees the management, conservation, and sustainable use of St. Kitts’ marine environment and natural resources, and ensures compliance with environmental and safety standards across the island’s ecosystems.
Bureau of Standards, St. Kitts: The national body for standards and conformance, conducting technical assessments to protect public safety.
Island Auto Supplies — IAS (Sylvester Williams): Owner Sylvester Williams generously donated the decommissioned aircraft that made this project possible, demonstrating outstanding civic commitment to the development of St. Kitts’ tourism and marine sectors.
St. Kitts Marine Works (Regiwell Francis): A leading marine services provider offering technical expertise in marine operations across St. Kitts, responsible for the safe logistical deployment of the aircraft.
Kenneth Dive Center: A premier dive operation in St. Kitts, dedicated to providing safe and extraordinary dive experiences for enthusiasts of all levels.
About St. Kitts
St. Kitts is the larger of two islands that make up the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Eighteen miles of green mountain ranges stretch from Mount Liamuiga in the north to the southern peninsula—each end, an entirely different and equally fulfilling experience. The island’s serendipitous location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea gives its coast distinctively varied hues. Our beaches range from golden tones to salt-and-pepper and alluring black volcanic sand. Peel back the many layers of our beautiful island to discover the culture, history, adventure, and culinary delights around every corner.
*If you are travelling to St. Kitts, it is required that you obtain an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before departing for St. Kitts and Nevis. The quickest way to apply is through the St. Kitts and Nevis e-Border mobile app, available on iOS and Android. Alternatively, travellers may apply online at www.knatravelform.kn.
For more information about St. Kitts, go to www.visitstkitts.com.