M Alexand

A 107-meter cargo vessel beached in Dixon Cove since 1981, partially submerged and visible above the waterline — one of Roatán’s most photographed surface wrecks.

Overview

The M Alexand is a 107-meter general cargo ship (4,064 tons capacity) built in Germany in 1951 as post-war reparations to Israel, where it entered service with Zim Israel Lines under the name Rimon. The vessel passed through several owners and names — Kastor, Nausika, Lady Salla — before being sold to Honduran interests in 1977 and renamed M Alexand. Under the Honduran flag it transported cement from Puerto Cortes throughout the Caribbean.

In 1981, while en route to Ecuador carrying 300,000 sacks of cement, the ship experienced mechanical failures near Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. It was brought to Roatán as an emergency refuge, where attempts at repair ultimately failed. The vessel was deliberately beached in Dixon Cove to prevent it sinking in open water. It has remained there since, deteriorating in place, with the stern resting in approximately 18–20 meters of water and the bow and midship visible above the surface.

The M Alexand is primarily a surface/photography attraction visible from the Dream Ferries terminal at Dixon Cove. Divers can explore the submerged stern section in the 18–20 meter range, though published dive reports on the site are limited. It is not an intentionally sunk dive wreck.

Previous description note: An earlier version of this page claimed the vessel was “also recorded as the Prince of Wales.” This claim has no documentary basis — it does not appear in the vessel’s confirmed name history (Rimon → Kastor → Nausika → Lady Salla → M Alexand) or in any published source consulted and has been removed.

Site Information

• Location: Dixon Cove, north coast of Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Wreck dive
• Difficulty Level: Advanced
• Maximum Depth: 30 meters
• Current: Variable; north coast conditions

Marine Life

No site-specific published information on marine life at the M Alexand stern section was found. General Roatán north-coast species apply. Verify with local operators.

Dive Profile

The submerged stern section reaches approximately 18–20 meters. The bow and midship remain above the waterline and are not a dive target. Conditions and access should be confirmed with a local operator before diving, as the wreck continues to deteriorate and the accessible areas may change.

Entry and Exit

The nearest dive operators are at Dixon Cove and Sandy Bay on Roatán’s north coast. Check access conditions before planning a dive on the submerged stern.

Sources: Roatan Tourism Bureau – M Alexand, PÄYÄ Magazine – M Alexand Guarding Dixon Cove, ShipSpotting – M Alexand IMO 5295193. Last updated 2026-06-27.