DIVE SITE NUMBER 1 :
PETE`S (MITSUBISHI F1M BI-PLANE)
This particular biplane is a Japanese Mitsubishi F1M1 Naval Type “O” observation seaplane , a long range reconnaissance aircraft with two machine guns mounted for hand operation. It appears to have sunk at its mooring as the only major damage is the collapse of its starboard and main pontoon. Some believe it was actually being lifted on to or off a Japanese freight when it sunk. Broken lifting cables from upper wings support this theory.
Bi plane was first dived by Hilary Wong of Rabaul in 1975.The plane rests on port on a gently sloping sandy bottom with maximum depth of 27 m . The three propeller blades are still intact and covered in red sponge growth. Instruments have been removed or destroyed and the machine guns have been removed, otherwise the aircraft is virtually intact and have some of the most beautiful coral growth . The cockpit is an empty with only control cables and part of the seat remaining. The compass was recovered and placed in Rabaul War Museum.
In 1982 divers experienced a strong Guria (earthquake) whilst diving on the biplane. The sensation was as if a large ship had passed overhead, and as this was the first concern , the divers ascended the reef wall with caution, expecting a vessel to be on the surface, it was only when on shore that it was realized that a strong Guria has rocked Rabaul township. Earthquakes gradually take their toll on ship and aircraft wrecks.
Instruments have been removed or destroyed and the machine guns have been removed, otherwise the aircraft is virtually intact and boasts some of the most beautiful coral growth. The Marine growth is thick with pink, mauve , yellow and orange soft corals contracting with black and white Feather stars. With stunning coral growths and resident fish, the PETE bi-plane is a unique dive experience.
Coral trout, Lionfish, Squirrel fish, black and yellow Moorish Idols and other tropical varieties gather in every section of the wreck.
The cockpit is empty with only control cables and part of the seat remaining. A pistol was found under the pilot`s seat many years ago – that soon disappeared into a private collection.
Most of the tail section is still intact with feather Stars and soft corals covering the rudder framework. The port stabilizing pontoon is almost completely buried, with just the nose poking out of the sand. The end of the lower wing is similarly buried.
Main information source: Rabaul`s forgotten fleet book by Monica Foster and Peter Stone
Bi plane was first dived by Hilary Wong of Rabaul in 1975.The plane rests on port on a gently sloping sandy bottom with maximum depth of 27 m . The three propeller blades are still intact and covered in red sponge growth. Instruments have been removed or destroyed and the machine guns have been removed, otherwise the aircraft is virtually intact and have some of the most beautiful coral growth . The cockpit is an empty with only control cables and part of the seat remaining. The compass was recovered and placed in Rabaul War Museum.
In 1982 divers experienced a strong Guria (earthquake) whilst diving on the biplane. The sensation was as if a large ship had passed overhead, and as this was the first concern , the divers ascended the reef wall with caution, expecting a vessel to be on the surface, it was only when on shore that it was realized that a strong Guria has rocked Rabaul township. Earthquakes gradually take their toll on ship and aircraft wrecks.
Instruments have been removed or destroyed and the machine guns have been removed, otherwise the aircraft is virtually intact and boasts some of the most beautiful coral growth. The Marine growth is thick with pink, mauve , yellow and orange soft corals contracting with black and white Feather stars. With stunning coral growths and resident fish, the PETE bi-plane is a unique dive experience.
Coral trout, Lionfish, Squirrel fish, black and yellow Moorish Idols and other tropical varieties gather in every section of the wreck.
The cockpit is empty with only control cables and part of the seat remaining. A pistol was found under the pilot`s seat many years ago – that soon disappeared into a private collection.
Most of the tail section is still intact with feather Stars and soft corals covering the rudder framework. The port stabilizing pontoon is almost completely buried, with just the nose poking out of the sand. The end of the lower wing is similarly buried.
Main information source: Rabaul`s forgotten fleet book by Monica Foster and Peter Stone
