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The last voyage of the Scarlet Ibis
Sunk in April 1997, the MV Scarlet Ibis, later renamed the MV Maverick, is a 350/106M auto ferry that spent its first life carrying passengers, vehicles and cargo between Port of Spain, Trinidad and Scarborough, Tobago. Obtained by TIDCO & private enterprise in 1996, she was prepared for sinking in Trinidad. Large holes were were cut along the sides, supplying light and water circulation to the interior, and allowing safe easy access for divers and marine life. Pollutants and eco-hazards like fuel, oil, wiring, glass, and hatches were removed, and the diverized wreck was towed to Tobago. Once she was in just the right position, off shore Mt. Irvine, explosive charges were set and detonated, and the ship flooded. A few hours later the Scarlet Ibis started her second life as an artificial reef.
The value of artificial reefs, like the Scarlet Ibis, has been the subject of extensive research worldwide, and they have been shown to be one of the most effective method of developing new marine resources and ecosystems. The structure of the wreck provides calm water for small fish to shelter and the steel of the ship provides the hard substrate which young corals require. These in turn draw larger pelagic game fish from the surrounding area. It is these pelagics that lure divers, snorkelers and fisherman to Tobago. Additionally, artificial reefs reduce human pressure on fragile natural reefs, thus preserving these irreplaceable natural wonders.
Today the Scarlet Ibis rests upright in the sand with the bow facing almost due north. The top of the pilot house is at 55/16.8M, with lots of doors and windows, access to this area is very easy. The blue water surrounding the pilot house is swarming with millions of pilchards, sprat, anchovies and other bait fish, which are food for a school of fast swimming Bonito and False Albacore Tuna that dash in out of the surrounding deep water for an easy meal.
The top of the passenger cabins is 65/19.8M and is dominated by a the smoke stack and the structure of the pilot house. A large, but friendly, Great Barracuda is often encountered lurking in the calm water between the stack and the pilot house.
Main deck area, at 75/22.8M, is divided by the superstructure 50/15M back from the bow. The bow has a large cargo access hatch that permits easy entry to the auto deck below and is over looked by portholes from the pilot house and passenger cabins. This area is home to a very friendly Jewfish, now only about 100lbs/46Kilos, but growing fast. Jacob or Harry as he is know by local divers, makes an excellent photo or video model. He is very bold and will gladly pose for hours if needed. Be cautious, he will eagerly eat as much bait fish as any diver can carry, but his thousands of small sharp teeth have injured more than one diver.
The auto deck is at 90/27.4M and runs the length of the vessel. Many schooling fishes enjoy the peace and safety of this sanctuary. Recently a family of large Dog Snapper (locally know as Teardrop Snapper because of their distinctive markings) have adopted the stern as their home. Hatches in the sole allow divers to see into the engine rooms below. Divers, please do not enter engine rooms, entanglements and the low overhead make this area dangerous. At the stern of the auto deck is the huge doorway vehicles used to enter and exit the ferry.
Beneath the curve of the vessels hull, the sand is at 102/31.1M. Look beneath the stern for lobsters and other creepy crawlies. The hull and exposed decks are encrusted with sponges, tunicates, octocorals and Atlantic Spiny Oysters, with more species appearing every week.
Use caution when diving, the Scarlet Ibis has overhead obstructions, depths over 80/24M, and other unique hazards. Listen carefully to your dive leaders, and enroll in a Wreck Diving Specialty Course before wreck diving without experienced guides.
In just a very few years the Scarlet Ibis has made fantastic contributions to Tobago's marine environment and eco-tourism. There are plans afoot (afin?) for more wrecks to be sunk soon, and your support of these projects is needed. Come to Tobago and visit the Scarlet Ibis soon. Scuba diving is the most fun you can possible have, try it today! GO with the FLOW!
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