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Hotels, dive operators, gear, and how to get here are on the Milne Bay location page.
Overview
A Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress that ditched on the reef off Boga Boga village in July 1943, returning from a bombing run to Rabaul with two engines out and almost no fuel. The bomber sank upright onto sand at 46 m and was rediscovered by Rod Pearce in 1986. Cockpit windows still stand open, machine guns sit in their turrets, twin tail guns pivot freely in their mounts, and rounds line the ammunition tracks. A permanent guideline runs from the 15 m reef top down the slope to the wreck.
Briefing note
Wreck sits at 46 m to 50 m, beyond recreational depth limits and trimix or accelerated decompression is standard. Two fatalities have occurred since the 1986 discovery. Penetration of the fuselage is discouraged due to narcosis at depth and silt or sharp interior hazards. Trips run from Tufi Resort only in settled weather; the open ocean crossing to Cape Vogel is weather dependent. The wreck is a war grave for any crew remains and an Australian war heritage protected site; no artefact removal.
What you'll see
4 species curated- year-roundSchooling barracuda
- year-roundBigeye trevally
- year-roundSoft coral
- year-roundGlassfish
Conditions
| Month | Water | Visibility | Current |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28–30 °C | 20–30 m | moderate |
| Feb | 28–30 °C | 20–30 m | moderate |
| Mar | 28–30 °C | 20–30 m | moderate |
| Apr | 27–29 °C | 25–40 m | moderate |
| May | 27–29 °C | 30–40 m | strong |
| Jun | 26–28 °C | 30–40 m | strong |
| Jul | 26–28 °C | 30–40 m | strong |
| Aug | 26–28 °C | 30–40 m | strong |
| Sep | 26–28 °C | 30–40 m | strong |
| Oct | 27–29 °C | 30–40 m | moderate |
| Nov | 27–29 °C | 25–35 m | moderate |
| Dec | 28–30 °C | 20–30 m | moderate |
Season calendar
Peak season highlighted · current month outlined
Gear for this site
Beyond the basic kit- Trimix and stage tanks — Bottom at 46 m to 50 m puts the wreck beyond recreational air limits; mandatory decompression on every dive.
- Dive light — Cockpit, bomb bay, and turret interiors are dim even when visibility above is 40 m.
- Reel — Strong current sweeps the slope; the permanent guideline is the only reliable navigation back to the ascent line.
Next step
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