Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel

Richard Branson Just Sank a WWII-Era Ship in the British Virgin Islands

Mike Richard
By
The Kodiak Queen
It’s hard not to like Richard Branson. He’s bold, a little brash, and (he seems) a little nuts. He’s a version of what most of us would like to think we’d be like if were we billionaires with too much time and ambition on our hands. So it’s no surprise that his latest endeavor is equal parts environmental philanthropy, underwater art project, and “just doing something because it’s cool.”
The Kodiak Queen Image used with permission by copyright holder

Few ships survived the bombing of Pearl Harbor, but the Kodiak Queen was one of just five exceptions. Fast-forward 75 years and the former Navy fuel barge was slated for the scrap heap. So, Branson purchased it with an ambitious goal in mind. Earlier this month, the billionaire — who owns an island in, and admits to a fondness for, the British Virgin Islands — purposely sank the ship off the coast of Virgin Gorda.

Recommended Videos

On its face, it seems like historical heresy: why waste (literally) such a valuable piece of American history? The ship is at the center of a collaboration between seemingly disparate non-profit organizations. Secret Samurai Productions (a group of activists driven by art), Maverick1000 (a group of entrepreneurs with a mind toward various social justice issues), Beneath the Waves (an oceanic research and education outfit), and Unite B.V.I. (a group which strives to empower children in the British Virgin Islands) all have a hand in the project, nicknamed “Project YOKO B.V.I. Art Reef.”

Image used with permission by copyright holder

First and foremost, the Kodiak Queen will serve as the centerpiece of a new artificial reef. In the coming years, it will provide a new destination for scuba divers from around the world who are always looking for “the next best dive.” It will also prove useful as a science lab to study the area’s rich marine ecosystem. Second, the wreck will be something of a blank underwater canvas. The team of artist/divers from Secret Samurai installed an incredible, 80-foot rebar and mesh Kraken sculpture on the deck of the ship.

The second phase of the project specifically targets coral restoration using the Kraken as a centerpiece. The goal is to bolster a living underwater space to regenerate many of the area’s threatened or endangered species. Among them: the goliath grouper. The massive fish was once commonplace throughout the waters around B.V.I. and became a vital asset in the war against invasive lionfish. The latter is now one of the largest threats to marine life in the Caribbean.

Ultimately, Branson’s hope extends well into future generations. In an email to the New York Times, he noted, “This project will hopefully excite our youth here in the B.V.I. to put a mask on and to explore the magic of our underwater world and be inspired to spend their adult years advocating for how important it is to protect our reefs.”

Images Courtesy OWEN BUGGY PHOTOGRAPHY & Rob Sorrenti

Mike Richard
Mike Richard
Contributor
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
The best bars in New York City: Our top picks
Here's where to belly up to the bar in NYC
The Quixote Bar.

If you're known as The City That Never Sleeps, you probably have a few good bars to your name. New York is the ultimate beehive, going strong regardless of the borough or time of day. That makes for a pretty rich NYC bar culture.

Sure, there are trending establishments that draw huge lines—look at you, Double Chicken Please. But there are also excellent dives, tremendous wine bars, and watering holes that make you reexamine the definition of a great cocktail.

Read more
Yellowstone vs Yosemite: Which national park should you visit?
A breathtaking view of Yellowstone National Park at sunset.

When speaking of national parks, two often dominate the conversation: Yellowstone and Yosemite. While both are crown jewels of the National Park System, each offers a distinctly unique experience. These parks attract millions of visitors annually, but which one reigns supreme for the summer traveler? Let's compare these iconic destinations.
Yellowstone National Park

Established in 1872 as the first national park in the world, Yellowstone National Park sprawls across three states: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Covering over 2.2 million acres, it’s a vast land of natural wonders. Here's what it's famous for:
Geothermal geysers
Yellowstone is home to over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including more than 500 geysers. The star of the show is Old Faithful, a geyser famous for its predictable eruptions. Besides geysers, the park boasts multicolored hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots.
An abundance of wildlife
Yellowstone’s ecosystem is a sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors marvel at herds of bison roaming the valleys, spot elusive wolves in the Lamar Valley, and observe grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Just make sure that you're following the rules when it comes to interacting with animals. The park is a living showcase of wildlife management and natural balance.
Unparalleled views
The park's landscape varies from rolling grasslands to dense forests and high-altitude lakes. Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-altitude lake in North America, offering stunning views and fishing opportunities. Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures, catering to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
Yosemite National Park

Read more
8 helpful tips for taking a red-eye flight
Say goodbye to jet lag
Night Flight

Red-eye flights, named for their tendency to depart late at night and arrive early in the morning, offer a wide range of benefits for travelers looking to save money and optimize their time. From the luxury of saving daylight hours to the chance for lower rates, red-eyes are an appealing option for many. These flights often feature less congestion at airports and shorter security lines, leading to a more relaxed overall travel experience.

Despite their advantages, red-eye flights can also cause issues such as disrupted sleep patterns, cramped quarters, and fatigue upon arrival. However, with the right strategies and a little bit of preparation, you can turn your red-eye experience into a smooth and stress-free adventure. These are just a few red-eye flight tips to consider.
1. Match your flight to your sleep habits

Read more