wreck

Log This Dive

CHERIE

Cherie is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to in Abaco. We really appreciate how this old motor vessel, grounded back in ’71 after an engine failure, has slowly become part of the reef itself. She’s just a skeleton now, spread out in the shallows off Carter Cay, nothing like a pristine, intact ship, but that’s precisely what makes her special. You don't need deep diving skills here; it’s practically a snorkel spot at times, with parts of the hull breaking the surface. Descend just a few feet and you’re immediately enveloped by schools of snapper and grunt, darting amongst the rusted ribs. We particularly love poking around the engine room remains, where nurse sharks often snooze in the shadows, and large groupers eye you from dark crevices. Visibility is usually superb, letting the sunlight penetrate every nook and cranny, highlighting the colourful sponges and gorgonians that have taken hold. It's a fantastic site for photographers and newer wreck divers to get a real feel for how the ocean reclaims human artefacts.