I was diving with Brad Varney who owns B & B Scuba and we found a SBD-5 Dauntless Dougless Dive Bomber. Brad was giving the #'s by a local fisherman who gets his fills at the shop.

I was the first one on the wreck and it was really cool being the first to photography this WWII legandary plane. The cockpit has been taken over by a large Moray Eel which made exploration difficult. The plan is missing the tail fin and the rear gun. The wreck looks like it's in really good shape. The wreck location remains a secret pending actions by NOAA or other agencies. Brad would like to keep the wreck protected but wants people to be able to dive the bomber. I think this will be the best wreck dive on Maui. It's good news in light of the recent reef destruction by the state government.

The propeller was the home for a Sponge Crab and a large group of Ulua were resting below one of the wings. The plane also had lots of nudibranchs and different sponges.

Here are a few links about this wreck:

Aviation Archaeology
Pacific Wrecks
Maui News Story about this discovery
Star Bulletin Article

This seems to be a popular story since the AP has picked it up and it's going to be on tv tonight with my photos!

I'll update the blog with any news.

Sean

Gallery Album: Maui Bomber