diveable WW II aircraft in northern Sulawesi?

The Lonely Planet Indonesia guide says that there are some diveable Japanese aircraft off Pulau Bunaken, but I haven't been able to verify this. Elsewhere, I heard that there's a Japanese plane off the coast north of Manado, but again my searches haven't turned anything up.

Can anyone verify whether these (or any other WW II) aircraft exist in this area and, if so, where they are and what condition they're in?

Thanks in advance,

Richard.

The Lonely Planet Indonesia guide says that there are some diveable Japanese aircraft off Pulau Bunaken, but I haven't been able to verify this. Elsewhere, I heard that there's a Japanese plane off the coast north of Manado, but again my searches haven't turned anything up.

 

Can anyone verify whether these (or any other WW II) aircraft exist in this area and, if so, where they are and what condition they're in?

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Richard.

Given the topography of the reefs at Bunaken, I find it hard to imagine where it would be - that is, if "diveable" is defined as in "within sports diving range". There are more possible locations on the Sulawesi side around Manado where the shore slopes a bit more gently.

I have a friend who has been running a divecenter on Bunaken for six or so years, so will put this to him. I would have thought he had mentioned such a site, though, knowing that I'm a bit of a wreckie after all.

timo

The only plane wreck around Bunaken/Manado I remember that is WWII is a B21 off Bangka. It's mostly covered up anyhow. In the Togians, there is a better preserved B24, but not a whole lot more.

Check out Walea Dive... they just launched a new boat covering that area.

Thanks for the answers, guys!

I'll check out these possibilities when I get there.

Richard.

OK,

I also got confirmation about the Bangka wreck. Apparently that is the only one. It should be marked on the NSWA site quide.

timo