Grenada Scuba Dive Center in the Coyaba Beach Resort at Grand Anse Beach

The Grenadians are known for their hospitality, but few nations have been called upon to open their homes to hundreds of bedraggled and confused strangers, as was the case of October 22nd 1961, when the 600 foot, 18,000 ton Bianca Costa Cruise liner sank in the St. George's Bay, Grenada. There were repeated urgent blasts of the ship's fog horn as a fire took hold, first in the engine room and subsequently throughout the boat. A fleet of local boats dashed to the aid of the Bianca C's 300 passengers and 200 crew. Grenada and its two sister islands (Carriacou and Petite Martinique) are blessed with beautiful lush green vegetation and mountain top, acres of land covered with fragrant spice trees and rare tropical flowers. Bordered by stunning beaches, and dotted with beautiful towns, this island major source of export is nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, vanilla and cocoa. This is why Grenada second most popular name is The Isle of Spice.

Every person was saved barring two members of the crew who were burned in the initial explosion which led to the fire. The rescued crew and passengers were cared for by the local people while the British frigate HMS Londonderry attempted to tow the Bianca C out to sea.

Her anchor chains had to be severed by explosive charges in the battle for time to save the harbour from being obstructed by the now clearly doomed ship. While being towed to deeper waters, the line parted and the ship determinedly sank beneath the waves. The shipping company acknowledged the contribution of Grenada by erecting a statue which now stands on the Carenage in St. George's.

Every person was saved barring two members of the crew who were burned in the initial explosion which led to the fire. The rescued crew and passengers were cared for by the local people while the British frigate HMS Londonderry attempted to tow the Bianca C out to sea.

Her anchor chains had to be severed by explosive charges in the battle for time to save the harbour from being obstructed by the now clearly doomed ship. While being towed to deeper waters, the line parted and the ship determinedly sank beneath the waves. The shipping company acknowledged the contribution of Grenada by erecting a statue which now stands on the Carenage in St. George's.

The Forward Mast is normally surrounded by fish. By the time you have reached the bow it is time to make a slow ascent up with a huge grin on your face. We quite often see Mantas, Eagle Rays, Reef Sharks, Turtles, and plenty of huge barracuda. Small experienced groups can be taken below decks where there is a collapsed hallway streaming with light from the many exits. Explore the bridge and cargo hold at the bow with her anchor locker stacked with cables and winches. The bow is a true 'wall dive'.

Everyone who has dived the Bianca C with us has come to the surface in awe. This is a dive that still fascinates all of us who are diving her several times a week.

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