SS Papanui
This is one of the most popular dives near St. Helena, and because it is close to the beach and shallow, even novice divers may enjoy it. The SS Papanui was a coal-carrying steamer that stopped at St Helena to replenish its supplies of water and food. It is one of Best Diving Sites in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha (UK).
It caught fire on its way to India and went aground in James Bay to save everyone on board. The Papanui was designated as a monument at James Bay in 1911. Located in around 13 meters of water, the tiller periodically protrudes the surface as the tides go in and out, making it one of the most popular diving sites near St Helena for both novice and professional divers.
The SS Papanui has drawn an abundance of marine life throughout the years. On its route from the United Kingdom to Australia, this ship caught fire and sunk in 1911 and was recovered in 1980. The entire ship may be seen from the top of Ladder Hill on clear days. You may even go onshore and dive past some of the reefs and along the beach rocks to extend your dive.
