Several P-47s ditched in the sea near Wai Island after the weather closed the way home. The crews survived. Three wrecks have been found. The most intact, and the one most often dived, lies on its back on the slope, with a wingspan of about 12 m, at about 28 m. The range written for this aircraft is 26–33 m. The map lists down to about 28 m. A second aircraft is on the same reef system, about 38 m. The third is broken up in very shallow water, about 2 m.
The aircraft is small compared with a ship. Descend to the shallower end, circle it once, then move up the coral slope for the rest of the dive. There is no route into the cockpit. Soft coral grows on the wings and the fuselage. It sits on the side more sheltered from the current on the east of the island, but the current can still be moderate. The water is about 27–30°C. Entry is by boat.
Yellowtail fusiliers often hang under the wings. Barracuda gather around the aircraft. Leaf scorpionfish, flatheads, and groupers are on the slope around it. Bottom time is short because of the depth, so do not circle it again and again.
- Map coordinate
- −0.70381, 130.71054
- Dive type
- Aircraft wreck
- Entry
- Boat
- Depth
- The aircraft is about 26–33 m. Map: down to about 28 m.
- Water
- Salt water, about 27–30°C
Marine life
Fusilier
Yellowtail fusiliers are often under the wings.
Barracuda
Often gather around the aircraft.
Grouper
On the slope around the aircraft.
Macro life
The slope beside the aircraft holds the small animals. For macro photos, use a macro lens and a focus light after the circuit of the aircraft is done.
Leaf scorpionfish
Camouflaged in the soft coral on the slope.
Flathead
Lying on the sand of the slope.
An animal on this list is not guaranteed on every dive.