August 17, 2006

From 1993 to 1996 I dove over 100 times on Bloody Bay, so returning after 10 yers, I was pleased to see that Reef Divers was still maintaining the highest standard but was more pleased to find that the rref and the marine life have both flourished.

August 13th I dove on Nancy's Cup of Tea: ran across a juvenile French angelfish and later I saw a larger hogfish and a soap fish.

August 14th, Three Fathom Wall (Mixing Bowl): saw one of my favourite fish, an indigo hamlet, along with a nurse shark and several large lobsters. One was out for a 25 to 30 foot stroll.

August 14th, Meadows: A busy location where several rays were dug into the sand. The rays kept your attention on the sandy bottom resulting in spotting a peacock flounder. Later a small turtle that went to the surface for air, it stayed on the surface for 5 to 6 minutes before heading back down.

August 15th, Bus Stop: a single eagle ray came cruising parallel to the Wall heading East. It was of large size and was in no hurry. It was seen later up by Eagle Ray Roundup. Later in teh day we saw a large parrot fish swimming about 15ft below the surface over a white patch of sand. Also a large turtle was cruising around the reef patches.

August 16 we headed to the Brac to dive on the Russian Frigate. I last dove ont he ship in September 1996, one day after watching it sink. Ten years later I was surprised to see that it had survived reasonably. Fish are using the hull as a reef. On the deck was a spotted scorpion fish. I have seen several over at Little Cayman but never on the deck of a sunk ship.

August 17, Meadows: Our group was going to go to the Wall and then turn right towards Nancy's Cup of Tea. As we appreciated the Wall a nurse shark and a large grouper caught our attentions turning us to the left. As we went over the Wall, we encountered 2 large marine reef sharks or black tips. They were not in a hurry to get away. They continue to cruise around our group of 5 divers coming within 6 to 10 feet. They did not appear to be aggressive. They would swim away then return. This continued for 5+ minutes before they left. As we travelled away, about 100 yards, 3 sharks came up from behind us but were about 30 feet below us. They also were not in a hurry. We spent a total of about 15 minutes with this group of reef and nurse sharks. This was topped off by having a turtle come swimming by the group.