Russian destroyer 356 off Cayman Brac

[AtomicWalrus]

I'm going to be spending my honeymoon at Brac Reef Beach Resort in Cayman Brac, and I'm really looking forward to diving on the frigate 356. I've read quite a few dive guides saying that it's easily penetrated, but none of them refer to using a reel and proper wreck penetration techniques. Has anyone been there recently who can comment on diving on the wreck? What's the condition of the wreck like? I know that it's broken into 2 pieces now - any more recent deterioration?

This is going to be pretty cool - I've done diving on the Canadian destroyers sunk as artificial reefs around BC, and now I get to check out an "opposition" vessel!

Thanks,

 

[caymaniac]

There are a few areas that have been sealed off, at least they were in the beginning.
I was just there in April (on the Brac). The 356 isn't anything super special, being that I have dove a number of wrecks in the Great Lakes because that's where I live. The best part is that the water is alot warmer on the Brac, the fish are more beautiful and there is always a chance to see a pelagic or two.

 

[leadweight]

It was in pretty bad shape four years ago, having broken apart.

 

[Rick Murchison]

Frigate!
Calling a frigate a destroyer is like calling a porsche a pickup.
Rick

 

[AtomicWalrus]

Sorry - really should know better than to call 356 a destroyer! Especially given that up here in Canada, we consider our 5900 ton Halifax-class a frigate!

Frigate!
Calling a frigate a destroyer is like calling a porsche a pickup.
Rick

 

[SueMermaid]

Frigate!

Heyheyhey, watch your mouth, this is a family board. :11:

I liked this wreck, it was pretty cool, and pretty large, too. Not the most mind-blowing wreck I have ever seen, but it's worth the dive. It's relatively open and easy to penetrate, but I didn't, so I can't comment. others in my group did enter the wreck with no reels.

Pelagics are often spotted there, and there's a very big flat of garden eels off to the starboard side of the wreck, as I recall. A lone male bottlenose dolphin lived at or near that wreck for a while a few years ago, I forget what his name was, but he and Liz from Divi Tiara were featured on the cover of Rodale's Scuba Diving a couple of years ago. I am told he isn't around anymore though.

 

[DeWDiver]

Asked the question when I was there 3yrs ago. "Mainstreet" the long hall running down the length of the ship is considered a swim thru since you can see the other end. Just don't go into any of the side rooms.

Was told similar info about wrecks when I was in the Keys a couple of weeks ago. They said if you can see the end and its a clear swim, it is alright to "swim thru". The shop repeated not to go into any side rooms.

The serious wreck/cave divers on this board may have better insight or clear rules.

 

[Tim Ingersoll]

It was an okay dive to say you had done it but nothing I would do twice. I was fairly bored by the end of the dive. The main passageway in the aft section was definitely the highlight. I remember we saw a grouper named Boris (or was it Natasha?) that has taken up residence in one of the side rooms. Good dive, not great. I would much rather do Jacksons Reef or Bloody Bay Wall on LC again.

 

[AtomicWalrus]

Sounds like silt-outs aren't really considered a big issue then, at least not in selected diver-friendly areas. Just can't decide whether I want to pack a reel down there with me or not...

Thanks everyone!

 

[SueMermaid]

Nah, it's easy diving just like the reefs. I wouldn't bother with a reel, but it's totally up to you.