Papua New Guinea’s period as a center of military clashes during the WWII may have long been concluded, but the relics of the battle remained, serving as a reminder of the country’s rich yet dark history. These surviving remains may have brought painful memories in the past, but for today’s tourists & the curious minds, the sunken shipwrecks and plane wrecks are a wonder to behold, worthy of taking a
dive in the waters of PNG.
Thanks to PNG’s involvement in the WWII, the country now offers some of the most popular wreck dive sites in the world. Each of its three main islands got a story to tell, with the following amazing wreck dives to discover.
B-17F Black Jack aircraft wreck
This plane was one of the first B-17F Flying Fortress bombers built during the WWII that took off on what was to be its final flight in July 1943. It was discovered 43 years after near Boga Boga, now considered by many as the
best aircraft wreck in the country. The Black Jack is located 45m deep below the surface, and due to the strong current, it can only be dived by experienced divers.
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B25 Mitchell Bomber
The “Pistoff”
wreck was one of the 12 US aircrafts that took part in the Lae area assault on shipping in January 1943. The bomber’s right engine was badly damaged during the aerial battle and was forced to land in the shallow waters of Collingwood Bay. The aircraft has remained intact except for its missing port engine. Today, it sits at the depth of 18m on a sandy seabed, cradling marine life such as glassfish and crayfish.
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New Britain
George’s Wreck
The story tells that this Japanese shipwreck was ran aground after it was skip bombed or torpedoed on the port side. However, the true history of this marine-cable-layer-turned-mine-layer remains unknown, and the ship remains unidentified. But what we’re sure is that the wreck, named after its first diver, George Tyers, is a beautiful dive site in PNG what with the black corals & sea fans that grew on its surface.
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Mitsubishi Zero Wreck
This Japanese
fighter plane reached its legendary status thru a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The Mitsubishi Zero has been infamous for its Kamikaze attacks during the WWII, over 60 years after the wreck was discovered in Kimbe Bay. Today, the plane remains virtually intact as it sits 17m below the surface, with various marine lives including a small colony of nemos and a large anemone residing in the wreck.
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New Ireland
Sanko Maru Wreck
This “Hell Ship” was said to
transport prisoners of war in the Philippines, which met its demise during an Allied aerial attack in February 1994. It sunk along the Type C midget submarine and was swept by the rich currents of the Pacific Ocean, resulting for it to be covered in gorgonian fans and soft corals 22m underwater.
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Deep Pete Wreck
This type of float-plane was designed to be launched as a catapult from aircraft tenders, cruisers, and battleships. The F1M was built for reconnaissance missions but may also serves as patrol aircraft, bomber, or impromptu fighter. This particular
biplane now lies on its back 40m below the surface, remaining intact except for its tail.
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From fighter planes to transport ships to unidentified wrecks, Papua New Guinea indeed is prosperous with intriguing sunken vessels that pique the interest of divers and history buffs alike. With all these wreck sites, remember that the country is too big to explore every dive destination in one go, so carefully plan your visit to get the most of your stay in PNG.
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