INSEL RIEMS

THE MV INSEL RIEMS

Your eventual destination is the MV INSEL RIEMS. She was a General cargo vessel built in 1961 by PS WERFTEN WOLGAST_WOLFGAST GERMANY. She is 59m/194ft in length and has a breadth of 9m/30ft.

The original name of this ship was the WATERING BAY and the flag she hoisted was from Equatorial Guinea (Central Africa). She initially sailed between the North and Baltic Seas with a 15 member crew. Since her launch, the vessel has changed names several times and operated in different seas, however, the INSEL RIEMS (1981) stamp remains on her today. Other former names include:

ARI (1988)
LUPUS (1989)
NAVIGO (1989)
EL RI (1989)
CARLSBERG (1994)
NORDIA (1994)

The official maritime status of this ship is 'Decommissioned or lost'; what happened to the crew is a mystery!

For us, she offers a well-deserved, entertaining snorkeling opportunity, when you finally get to her majestic, eerie presence.

THE APPROACH

The hiking segment of this tour firstly takes you along a wide ‘jeep road’ and eventually under canopy. Here you can quite likely have sightings of White-fronted capuchin monkeys.

This peninsula in itself is of historical significance to Trinidad. From the bay where the INSEL RIEMS rests, you get a clear view of Nelson Island. This was a disembarkation point and quarantine station for indentured immigrants who came to Trinidad & Tobago during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

You also get an excellent view of Carrera Island, which houses the Carrera Convict Prison. This prison was built in the 19th century and eventually used for prisoners serving long sentences; it is still fully operational today.

The swim approach to the shipwreck is quite scenic and also gives a small ‘rock hop’ opportunity. Once you get to the INSEL RIEMS, you can embark on a circumnavigation snorkel. The port side of the ship is shallower and tends to have more marine life. The graceful Southern Stingrays can however be spotted anywhere around the shipwreck, if it's your lucky day!