IJN
Bob
Hampton 2000
Wartime History
This aircraft appears to have sunk, without damage at its mouring off
Tavui Number 1, west of Rabaul.
It is unclear why the aircraft sunk, but believed it sunk at anchor
as an operational loss.
Wreckage
A popular dive spot for guest of the Kula Lodge, this aircraft
sunk just past the reef in 89 feet of water . It rests on a sandy bottom,
with only the centerline pontoon twisted to the side. The rear 7.7mm
machine was present until the 1990's when it was removed by a diver.
Otherwise, the wreck is perfectly intact.
References
This wreck is pictured on the cover of National Geographic "Ghost of the
Pacific".
102'
