Chikuzen Wreck

The Chikuzen - named after an old province of Japan was a 246ft Japanese refrigerator vessel, built in Shimizu, Japan. It was part of the St. Maarten fishing fleet when it became damaged in a storm in 1979. After the storm it was moored at the fishing fleet dock where it was causing damage so the owners not wanting further damage or costs and also concerned that it may break free and become beached set the ship on fire out side the docks assuming it would sink. The Chikuzen didn't sink here however but drifted, still ablaze into BVI waters and threatened Marina Cay so was towed out to it's present location where it finally sank The top of the wreck at about 40 feet nearly to the bottom at 75. The wreck is quite far (approx 10 nautical miles), so not all dive tours usually offer to dive this wreck. Take care of the swell !! The wreck is located in open ocean, between Tortola and Anegada (approximately 10 miles northeast of Tortola Island). Follow the Mooring line down to 65 ft. There is a rope leading south about 60 yards or so to the wreck. Many sharks and shy fish congregate there as it is the only feature on miles of flat sandy bottom. Many nurse sharks, rays and baracuda.