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NEW P38 LIGHTNING AIRCRAFT WRECK DISCOVERED
Bob and Dinah, and lucky divers aboard Telita on a dive cruise from Alotau to Tufi, guided by villagers near Cape Vogel in Milne Bay, have dived a previously unknown and perfect Lockheed P38 Lightning aircraft wreck. The wreck lies on a reef slope between 12 and 17 m depth. Its propellers have been feathered by the pilot who gently ditched the aircraft avoiding any damage. The pilot escaped the cockpit, but his fate is not yet known. There is significant coral growth on the wreck which is a beautiful and photogenic dive.
Bob recovered the radio call sign 2-12649 and initial research shows the aircraft was shipped to the 5th USAAF in Australia on 12 August 1942 from San Francisco but had been lost by four months later. A light mooring has been set on the reef top near the wreck in 6 m of water and local villagers at Magabara, led by Henry Katura, who first saw the plane while fishing for beche-de-mer, will guide visitors to the wreck. All souveniring and any damage to the wreck or surrounding corals is strictly prohibited.
Telita will be visiting the wreck when touring to Cape Vogel or Tufi and any divers interested should contact Telita Dive and set up suitable dates or special wreck diving charters.
ALL CABINS ON MV TELITA ARE ENSUITE!
The final stage of the refit has been completed, Telita is more stunning than ever and each of the five cabins has a private bathroom. Our first dives after refit have been spectacular with Manta Rays, Hammerheads, wonderful reefs and critters and of course the discovery of a 62 year old aircraft wreck from World War 2.
Dinah's family have also taken over control of their land at Lauadi, stopped all fishing, and are ensuring that our famous dive sites, Dinah's Beach and Deacon's Reef are always in top condition. A section of the cliff at Deacon's Reef has fallen into the water but fortunately east of the grotto of sea fans and sea whips leaving the dive as great as ever.
Bob and Dinah, and lucky divers aboard Telita on a dive cruise from Alotau to Tufi, guided by villagers near Cape Vogel in Milne Bay, have dived a previously unknown and perfect Lockheed P38 Lightning aircraft wreck. The wreck lies on a reef slope between 12 and 17 m depth. Its propellers have been feathered by the pilot who gently ditched the aircraft avoiding any damage. The pilot escaped the cockpit, but his fate is not yet known. There is significant coral growth on the wreck which is a beautiful and photogenic dive.
Bob recovered the radio call sign 2-12649 and initial research shows the aircraft was shipped to the 5th USAAF in Australia on 12 August 1942 from San Francisco but had been lost by four months later. A light mooring has been set on the reef top near the wreck in 6 m of water and local villagers at Magabara, led by Henry Katura, who first saw the plane while fishing for beche-de-mer, will guide visitors to the wreck. All souveniring and any damage to the wreck or surrounding corals is strictly prohibited.
Telita will be visiting the wreck when touring to Cape Vogel or Tufi and any divers interested should contact Telita Dive and set up suitable dates or special wreck diving charters.
ALL CABINS ON MV TELITA ARE ENSUITE!
The final stage of the refit has been completed, Telita is more stunning than ever and each of the five cabins has a private bathroom. Our first dives after refit have been spectacular with Manta Rays, Hammerheads, wonderful reefs and critters and of course the discovery of a 62 year old aircraft wreck from World War 2.
Dinah's family have also taken over control of their land at Lauadi, stopped all fishing, and are ensuring that our famous dive sites, Dinah's Beach and Deacon's Reef are always in top condition. A section of the cliff at Deacon's Reef has fallen into the water but fortunately east of the grotto of sea fans and sea whips leaving the dive as great as ever.
