While Kavieng is well known for its splendid reefs and amazing array of marine life, as well as its scenic topside and beautiful beaches, it was also the scene of horrific battles during World War Two. Toward the end of the war, the allies clashed with the Japanese, which resulted in a tragic loss of life and severe environmental damage.
Today, the remnants of the ships and aircraft that took part in these intense battles act as silent reminders of the toll a war can take on humankind and on our planet, but they also serve as signs of hope for the future. Covered in splendid coral and swarming with fish, these amazing wrecks, once harbingers of death, are filled with some of the best things in life. Following is just a small representation of what you’ll find beneath the serene waters of Kavieng.
Aichi E13A “Jake” Seaplanes - Papua New Guinea Dive Sites
So far, several of these incredible Japanese seaplanes have been discovered in the waters around Kavieng. One of the most interesting is lying upside down, with its bomb compartment open, and an unexploded bomb still in position, with its tail fins intact. The engine and propeller of the upside down Jake are in good condition, in just 15 meters of water, and its positioning offers an interesting contrast with the rest of the Jakes in the area, which are right side up.
One of the better right side up Aichi E13 seaplanes is in a little less than twenty meters of water, and while it does have a nice coating of pink soft coral, you can still see the Hinomaru, or Rising Sun, painted on the port wingtip. This is the most intact of the three upright Jakes, with its propeller blades still attached, and a 30mm machine gun lying across the rear seat of the cockpit.
F1M Misubishi Zero Biplanes - Papua New Guinea Dive Sites
The allies’ code named these reconnaissance planes “Petes”. Used for convoy escorts, anti-submarine operations, firefights, and observation; the F1M observation floatplanes were equipped with a large central float, and a fixed float on each wing. The planes had two 7.7mm fixed machine guns which fired through the propeller, and a 7.7mm flexible machine gun which could be operated from the rear cockpit, plus two small bomb racks beneath the lower wing.
There are two F1M wrecks lying in about 18 meters of water just 5 minutes from Nusa, one of which is completely intact and upside down, and the second being upside down and broken.
The third F1M wreck is the most spectacular, and is often referred to as “Deep Pete.” This wreck is in 40 meters of water, with the two forward cowl mounted guns still in position, and the rear gun and its drum magazine lying near the wreck. This aircraft sits upright on the sand with the propeller and propeller arch still intact, and as visibility here is often thirty meters or better, makes an incredible subject for wide angle photography.
Catalina Float Plane - Papua New Guinea Dive Sites
A fantastic wreck lying in just fifty feet of water, this Catalina is an incredible sight to see. The plane is almost completely intact, and though it is covered in a lush coat of coral, it is very easy to swim inside, and even sit down at the controls.
These planes were used by the United States during WWII, primarily for reconnaissance. This particular wreck is believed to have been here since 1943, and it is assumed that her pilot and crew lost their lives when the aircraft was shot down by Japanese forces.
Japanese Ship Wrecks - Papua New Guinea Dive Sites
There are a few different Japanese shipwrecks to explore. One of them, which is just 12 feet below the surface, is a supply ship, which is lying on her starboard side. The ship’s superstructure is coated in black coral trees, as well as yellow and red soft coral. The forward hold contains a massive collection of Saki bottles, and there are many personal effects and other items located throughout the wreck. Penetration is possible, but should only be undertaken by qualified wreck divers.
The second wreck was only recently discovered, only about fifty feet away from the first. It is a mini submarine, and is covered in coral growth. This is the only mini-sub wreck which has been found to date in the South Pacific. To date, no hull number has been discovered.
A third wreck, that of an 80 meter boiler driven ship, lies in 24 meters of water, and continually yields personal effects like boots, canteens and plates, as well as various types of ammunition and other items, such as fire hose fittings and light fixtures.
Finally, the fourth wreck sits upright, though nearly buried in the sand, in 18 meters of water. This ship is about 50 meters long, and the superstructure, which protrudes up from the sand, is covered in heavy coral growth. It features a gun turret, and a case of ammunition shells lying nearby. This wreck is easy for all to explore, and is home to turtles, groupers, and nurse sharks, as well as a never-ending array of tropical fish, cowries, and nudibranchs.
The Wreck of the B25 “Stubborn Hellion” - Papua New Guinea Dive Sites
The Air Apaches lost four B25’s in the vicinity of Kavieng. Gremlin’s Holiday, Captain Cavolis, and Pissonit have yet to be discovered. The Stubborn Hellion was torn open by shrapnel, and crashed in the mangroves along Manne Island, near Albatross Channel.
The plane is quite broken up, and lies in twelve meters of water, over a silty bottom. Her turret guns and the flexible mounted tail gun are still attached to the wreck, which is an incredible sight to see. Unlike some of the deepest wrecks, this one is in water shallow enough to allow for lengthy exploration, and it is a ghostly subject for underwater photography.
Whether you choose to dive just one, or all of these, and the rest of the wrecks which Kavieng is so famous for, you are certain to come away with amazing photographs and memories that are even more astonishing. Be sure to book your trip well in advance, as these are some of the most popular wrecks in the South Pacific, and charters fill up fast.