Sometimes referred to as Midway Atoll, the Midway Islands are far off the beaten track. Lying like sparkling pearls against the brilliant blue of the Pacific, and located beyond Hawaii’s main island chain, these islands were only recently opened to recreational diving. History tells us that there are countless historic ship and aircraft wrecks here; however, many of them are in water much too deep for divers to visit. As underwater exploration continues, exciting discoveries are being made. Here, we’ll take a look at three Midway wrecks which are easily accessible to divers.
The Water Barge
When Midway Island was used as a military base, fresh water was scarce – in fact, there were no wells on the island. For that reason, water barges were used to ferry fresh water to the island’s inhabitants. One of these water barges grounded on South Reef, just off the tip of the runway during a major storm in 1957. The barge is now halfway sunk, with half its remains protruding from the water’s surface and the remainder submerged. Featuring maximum depth at just about 15 feet, the water barge is a fantastic site both for snorkeling and for diving; it is also an excellent site for underwater photography. Light from above streams through the barge’s ribs, and schooling fish including flagtails, goatfish, and masses of chubs swirl through the clear blue water. Anchors and other deck gear can be found along the reef nearby, and it is possible to see Spotted Knifejaws, Barred Knifejaws, and even Green Sea Turtles among the barge’s crumbling remains.
USS Macaw
A 251-foot submarine tender with a 42-foot beam, the USS Macaw ran aground in 1944 while working to salvage a submarine that ran aground at the site where the Water Barge is now located. Three weeks after running aground, the Macaw capsized and slid down into the main channel; her captain grabbed the only available life jacket, which didn’t have any straps, and went down with the ship. Five sailors also lost their lives in the accident.
Some time later, military divers were forced to demolish the wreck in order to clear the channel; today, she lies in large pieces at depths between 20 and 60 feet. The ship’s bow is largely intact and lies at a depth of 30 feet; her anchors and rudder can be seen atop the shallow reef, between the Macaw and the Water Barge wreck. While the USS Macaw lies at a fairly shallow depth, current and rough surface conditions often leave the site undiveable. Should you get the opportunity to make this dive though, be sure to take it. Manta rays, eagle rays, and scores of sharks are encountered on this wreck, and as visibility tends to be excellent, the ship is a fantastic subject for wide-angle photography.
F4U Corsair Airplane Wreck
Located just about a ten minute boat ride from the harbor lies a fascinating military aircraft wreck. This F4U Corsair airplane was lost after a mid-air collision during a training exercise. Now resting upside-down at a depth of about 116 feet, the wreck is now home to a who’s who list of tropical fish. Watch for Hawaiian Longfin Anthias, Psychedelic Wrasse, Japanese Angelfish, Dragon and Whitemargined Moray Eels, and many other colorful species. Divers often see large Wahoo hanging in the water column above the wreck while on safety stops.
Midway Atoll is a National Wildlife Refuge where you’ll encounter more than twenty bird species, including Gooney Birds (Layson Albatross). Seals and other large marine species are encountered in the area, and as the number of guests visiting the island is restricted to one hundred individuals at any given time, visitors get the opportunity to really enjoy the feeling of solitude that can be had here, 1200 miles away from Hawaii. Excellent accommodations and cuisine are available on the main island. Be sure to plan your trip well in advance as space is limited. And don’t be surprised if, once you see the splendors waiting for you, you find yourself wishing you never had to return home. Midway is a truly special destination – one that is certain to earn a lasting place of honor in your memories.