A former fuelling vessel that was one of just a handful of ships that survived the attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941 has become a new artificial reef, world-class dive site and marine habitat in the British Virgin Islands.

It is hoped the site will boost dive tourism and raise awareness of ocean conservation.

Kodiak Queen, which was earmarked for the scrap heap, has just been saved, cleaned and sunk off Virgin Gorda in the BVI as part of a permanent eco-friendly underwater art installation.

The ‘BVI Art Reef’ the project is being led by Sir Richard Branson and a group of leading entrepreneurs, engineers, artists and scientists all working together.

It is hoped that everything from turtles, sharks, sea sponges and corals will live on, in and around the wreck. In time the project aims to raise awareness of the important environmental issues facing our oceans and capture people’s attention on the importance of addressing climate change, protecting coral reefs, and rehabilitating vulnerable marine species.
Customers can experience it off the back of The Moorings crewed dive yacht, Poseidon’s Pearl which comes with captain, chef and host.

The ‘Ultimate Dive BVI’ package with The Moorings offers the chance to combine a week on a crewed yacht with private captain, chef and host with the opportunity to explore some of the BVI’s most beautiful dive sites, including this new wreck.

Guests will be able to sail right up to the dive site and dive directly off the back of the catamaran so there is no need to rendezvous with a dive boat.

All equipment is on board and guests are accompanied by the captain who is also a PADI certified dive instructor.

Prices are from GBP1639pp for a seven-night charter on the Moorings 5800 Poseidon’s Pearl in December and based on ten sharing.

The price includes the yacht charter complete with captain chef and host, all meals, snacks and beverages, housekeeping, wifi and all onboard equipment.

Six dives per person with all diving equipment provided costs GBP340pp. Flights are extra and can be added by The Moorings – prices are from GBP948pp with BA. The yacht charter is fully commissionable to agents.