The Government of St. Eustatius (Statia), the Netherlands Antilles, announced last month the sinking of the Caribbeanå‘s latest underwater attraction, the largest artificial reef in the region, The Charles L. Brown. 
The ship was successfully sunk 31m deep on July 25, 2003, just outside the southern marine reserve of Statia, and is now ready and safe for leisure diving purposes. The 100-meter long (300 feet) vessel previously served for cable-laying by AT&T.
The Charles L. Brown was acquired last year, and has since crossed many oceans to arrive at its final destination, the turquoise waters of Statia - part of the Windward Islands chain of the Caribbean, located just south of St. Maarten. Statia, a member country of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), is known for its unique and unspoiled diving, combining archaeological dives with beautiful coral reefs as well as exciting and picturesque non-diving activities.
Although only a mere eight square miles (20 sq. km.,) with a population of 2,100, Statia has a lively history, that can be found at the bottom of its clear blue waters in the more than 200 wrecks that lie sunken offshore.
“It is with great enthusiasm that the community of St. Eustatius announces the sinking of The Charles L. Brown,” said Alida Francis, director of tourism for the St. Eustatius Tourist Bureau. “Having the largest artificial reef will mark Statia as a premier Caribbean dive site for travelers, while providing an ideal habitat for underwater life,” Francis added.
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