The 95 metre-long RMS Rhone was one of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company's principal ships, often to be seen plying the Atlantic on her way back and forth from the Caribbean to the UK. In 1867 she was at anchor when the weather worsened and her experienced captain decided to sail out to sea to ride out the storm. Unfortunately, it turned into a full-scale hurricane - the worst ever seen in the British Virgin Islands - and she foundered on Salt Island, breaking in two and sinking in no more than 21 metres of water, taking with her 125 passengers and crew.
After nearly 140 years underwater, her wreckage has been claimed by nature and is now smothered in coral and sponge growth. All this supports a healthy mix of marine life, making her a fantastic dive site. RMS Rhone is also one of many movie locations you can visit on a luxury yacht as she was used as an underwater set for the 1977 film The Deep.
Best time to dive: the BVIs have favourable weather all-year-round, although August and September are the hottest months
Water temperature: ranges from 26 to 29°C, so a 3mm shortie or fullsuit should be more than adequate
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