Japanese Seaplane
Depth: 85-100 feet
Location: Apra Harbor
Type: Shore dive
Visibility: 15 – 50 feet
Info: This is an easy beach dive, and offers both a pleasant reef and an interesting wreck.
To get to the site, you must have access to the Naval Base. Once on the base, follow the main road until you get to the Sumay Cove marina. Instead of following the road uphill to Gab Gab beach, continue straight past the Coast Guard building. Follow the road until you see two rusted pier pilings and a small parking area. These piers were built by the Seabees in late 1944 to offload supply ships. The entire area was used as a supply base for the planned invasion of Japan.
DIVING TIPS: This is a rocky shore entry as most of the piers have collapsed. Swim over to the western pier and head directly out (north) from it. Descend to about 60 feet and you will find a line heading into the harbor. The visibility can quickly change from 30 to less than 15 ft. Follow the line down to about 85 feet, where you will find the plane.
Once you have explored the plane gradually ascend to about 30 feet and follow the reef line east. You’ll pass many anemones and a large metal box-like structure, which is approximately in front of the eastern pier.
Michael Schuck
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