Salt Island, British Virgin Islands facts for kids
Salt Island seen from Tortola. The wreck of the Rhone lies off Black Rock point on the west of the island (the right hand side of the picture).
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 Salt Island
Location in British Virgin Islands
Salt Island
Location in Caribbean
The location of Salt Island within the British Virgin Islands
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Caribbean Sea |
| Coordinates | 18°22′33″N 64°31′41″W / 18.3759°N 64.5281°W |
| Archipelago | Virgin Islands |
| Administration | |
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United Kingdom
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| British Overseas Territory | British Virgin Islands |
| Additional information | |
| Time zone | |
| ISO code | VG |
 Salt Island Lighthouse
Location in British Virgin Islands
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| Location | Salt Island British Virgin Islands |
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| Coordinates | 18°22′18.4″N 64°32′03.4″W / 18.371778°N 64.534278°W |
| Construction | metal post |
| Tower shape | post atop a building |
| Markings / pattern | white building |
| Height | 5 metres (16 ft) |
| Focal height | 53 metres (174 ft) |
| Range | 14 nautical miles (26 km; 16 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl W 10s. |
| Admiralty number | J5636 |
| NGA number | 14708 |
Salt Island is a small island in the British Virgin Islands. It is located about 4.7 miles (7.6 km) southeast of Road Town, the main town on Tortola. The island gets its name from its natural salt ponds. These ponds were once very important for collecting salt.
Salt Island is famous for the shipwreck of the RMS Rhone. This Royal Mail ship sank during a powerful hurricane on October 29, 1867. The ship was trying to find safety at sea but was pushed back onto Salt Island. Most of the crew members were lost in the storm. Many of their bodies were buried in a large grave on Salt Island. You can still see this grave today, marked by a circle of stones near the main beach.
The wreck of the Rhone is now one of the best places for scuba diving in the Caribbean Sea. Parts of the movie The Deep were even filmed around this famous shipwreck.
Not many people live on Salt Island. Since at least 1980, the population has been three people or less. These residents traditionally pay a special rent each year. They give a one-pound bag of salt to the Queen of the United Kingdom through the Governor.
The island is a popular stop for yachts and sometimes smaller cruise ships. In the past, there were more than twenty homes on the island. Now, only three or four old, empty houses remain.
Contents
What is Salt Island Known For?
Salt Island is best known for two main things: its natural salt ponds and the historic shipwreck of the RMS Rhone. These features make it a unique and interesting place in the British Virgin Islands.
The Famous RMS Rhone Shipwreck
The RMS Rhone was a large steamship that carried mail and passengers. It sank during a terrible hurricane in 1867. The ship was trying to escape the storm by heading out to open sea. However, the strong winds and waves pushed it back onto Salt Island. This tragic event led to the loss of most of its crew.
Why is the Rhone Wreck Important Today?
Today, the RMS Rhone shipwreck is a protected marine park. It is a very popular spot for divers from all over the world. Divers can explore the remains of the ship, which are covered in corals and home to many fish. It's like swimming through an underwater museum!
Salt Harvesting on the Island
For many years, collecting salt from the island's ponds was a yearly tradition. People would gather the salt, which was a valuable resource. This tradition dates back to the time of Queen Victoria in 1867.
The Special Salt Tribute to the Queen
A unique custom developed where the island's residents would give one pound of salt to the British Monarch. This gift was usually sent to the Queen on her birthday. This tradition stopped for a while. However, in 2015, Governor John Duncan decided to bring it back.
In March 2015, Governor Duncan personally took a pouch of salt from Salt Island to London. He presented it to the Queen as a gift from the people of the Virgin Islands. The salt had been specially collected for this occasion. The Governor announced that this tradition would continue in future years.
Visiting Salt Island
Salt Island is a quiet and beautiful place. It's a great spot for those who love history, diving, or just want to see a less populated island.
What Can Visitors Do on Salt Island?
- Diving: The RMS Rhone wreck is the main attraction for divers. It offers an amazing underwater experience.
- Exploring:' You can take a short walk from the main beach to see the mass grave of the Rhones crew.
- Relaxing: The island offers a peaceful escape from busier tourist spots.
See also
In Spanish: Isla Salt (Islas Vírgenes Británicas) para niños
