Keith Tibbetts Wreck Cayman Brac

A 330-foot Koni II-class Soviet-built frigate deliberately scuttled in September 1996, now a two-section artificial reef off Cayman Brac’s North Shore named for Cayman Brac’s first National Hero.

Overview

The MV Captain Keith Tibbetts is one of the most impressive artificial reefs in the Caribbean. The 330-foot vessel was a Koni II-class frigate built in 1984 in the Soviet Union for the Cuban Navy (originally designated Russian Destroyer #356). Following Cuba’s declining finances after the Soviet Union’s collapse, the ship was acquired by the Cayman Islands government and deliberately sunk off Cayman Brac’s North Shore on 17 September 1996. She was renamed to honor Captain Keith Parker Tibbetts, a former seafarer, businessman, and longtime member of the Cayman Islands Legislative Assembly who served for 23 years — Cayman Brac’s first declared National Hero (honored posthumously in 2025). Hurricane Ivan in 2004 broke the hull in two sections, and by 2017 further storm damage had scattered additional debris. The bow section rises to approximately 20 meters (65 feet) below the surface and is the primary dive; the stern section descends to approximately 26 meters (85 feet). She is the only purposefully scuttled Soviet-era warship accessible for recreational diving in the Western Hemisphere. Bow guns and a red star on the bow remain visible.

Site Information

• Location: North Shore, Cayman Brac
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Wreck dive
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 26 meters
• Typical Visibility: 20–35 meters (65–115 feet)
• Current: Light to moderate
• Water Temperature: 26–29°C (79–84°F)
• Best Time: Year-round

Marine Life

The Keith Tibbetts has become a productive artificial reef in the decades since sinking. Nassau grouper and other grouper species are documented residents of the hull sections. Snappers with remoras are confirmed at the site. Yellow tube sponges and brain coral formations now cover significant hull surfaces. Turtles are reported in the area. The wreck formerly hosted two resident Goliath groupers known as Boris and Doris, though they have not been sighted for some time. Spotted eagle rays, horse-eye jacks, and moray eels are regional species that may be encountered, though specific sighting records for the Tibbetts site are limited in available sources. Note: marine life claims involving eagle rays and turtles as regular Tibbetts-specific sightings require independent confirmation beyond regional aggregation.

Dive Profile

The bow section is the standard dive, beginning at the bow at approximately 20 meters (65 feet) and working along the deck to the break point where Hurricane Ivan in 2004 separated the two sections. The stern section descends to approximately 26 meters (85 feet), well within sport diving limits. Multiple dives are needed to cover the full wreck comprehensively. Two mooring buoys are positioned over the bow and stern sections respectively.

Entry and Exit

Boat dive from Cayman Brac operators — the island has several dedicated dive operations. The North Shore is well-sheltered. Giant stride entry. The wreck is buoyed for easy location. SMB deployment on ascent.

Tips and Recommendations

• Both bow and stern sections are accessible to recreational divers within sport diving limits (max ~26m stern)
• The bow guns and red star are iconic — approach from above for the best angle
• The military vessel character — guns, deck rails, bridge structure — creates a visual narrative that commercial wrecks lack
• Allow at least 2–3 days on Cayman Brac to dive the wreck multiple times from different angles
• Cayman Brac has its own excellent wall diving that complements the wreck diving

Safety Considerations

The stern section at approximately 26 meters (85 feet) is within recreational limits for sport divers. The storm-created breaks and debris fields around the hull create penetration zones that require proper wreck training. Ascent requires careful no-decompression limit management. The conning tower can reach shallower depths, making this a versatile dive for different experience levels.

Photography

The Keith Tibbetts is one of the Caribbean’s most photogenic wrecks. The military vessel character — bow guns, deck rails, bridge structure — gives it a visual narrative that purely commercial wrecks lack. The bright sponge growth against the grey hull and the magnificent turtle and eagle ray encounters make compelling compositions. Wide-angle is the primary tool here. Natural light penetration on the shallow bow section is excellent.

Sources: DreamWrecks – MV Captain Keith Tibbetts, Scuba Diver Life – MV Captain Keith Tibbetts, Freedom Tour Travel – Diving the Keith Tibbetts, Cayman Compass – Captain Keith Parker Tibbetts National Hero. Last updated 2026-05-20.