HMS PROSELYTE - Sandy Island

The HMS Proselyte, off Sandy Island, sits shallow at 14 metres, but don't let the depth fool you into thinking it's a simple dive. This isn't some perfectly preserved ghost ship; it's a proper wreck, broken up over two centuries on the seabed. We love picking through the scattered timbers and copper sheathing, trying to piece together the outline of the 40-metre frigate. You really get a sense of history here, knowing this ex-Dutch vessel, captured by the British, met its end on the ‘Man of War’ Shoal due to "negligence of her Master" – a salty tale, indeed. Our favourite part is the way the reef has completely reclaimed it. The wreck acts like a natural magnet, absolutely smothered in corals and sponges. Look closely in the nooks and crannies of the hull remains, and you'll spot everything from moray eels to lobster antennae waving from the shadows. Schools of grunts and snapper often mill about the larger sections, providing a shimmering curtain around the wreck’s skeletal remains. Visibility here can be excellent, especially on a calm morning, making it easy to appreciate the scale of the debris field. We’d suggest exploring slowly, taking your time to sift through the fragments and imagine the ship as she once was. It’s an ideal site for anyone who appreciates maritime history blended with a thriving, artificial reef system.

Location

Sandy Island, Anguilla, Caribbean

Coordinates

17.989666, -63.058334

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

14m

Marine Protected Area: Sandy Island