Diving in the Philippines for a Japanese Tabby Aircraft is a lot of fun. Because of the history and the time this gem has been underwater now. You can see how one of the most effective war machines turns into a beautiful artificial reef that the fish now really enjoy calling their home.
World War II
September first of 1939 is when World War II or also known as the Second World War began. It started when the empire of Japan tried to take over Asia and the Pacific area as a whole. The Philippines is one of the countries where it took place and the tension covered the whole country. The war lasted for over six years in total many aircraft and other artillery were sunk because of it.
Wrecks of all kinds of war machines from different countries were the only thing that’s left after the war. Ships, Tanks, Cannons, and lots of Planes crashed into the land and underwater in the aftermath of the war. Most of them are still waiting to be discovered. There are still many undiscovered gems hiding in the ocean all over the Philippines. Luckily for us, it allows us to go diving for a crashed WW2 Japanese Tabby Aircraft. Here in the Philippines that was discovered not too long ago.
Diving in the Philippines for a Japanese Tabby Aircraft
Let me take you to the beautiful wreck site of one of the most terrifying war machines of World War II.
When we went diving in the Philippines for a Japanese Tabby Aircraft. We reached 45 meters or 150 feet below the sea surface. We finally found it.
We’re looking at the Japanese Tabby Aircraft version of the Douglas DC3. This is a passenger and a cargo airplane that was used extensively all throughout the war.
We found it upside down on the bottom of the ocean in a somewhat decent shape considering the type of machine this was. The landing gear and tire were still intact.
You will see the landing gear retracted, so you know it was en-route somewhere. It wasn’t coming in for a landing when it was shot down in the middle of the ocean.
Aircraft Condition
Engines have been ripped off probably on impact. You can see parts of them lying nearby on the ocean floor. The tail wheel also in a retracted position at the back of the plane with the rubber still hanging off of it.
As I go up the fuselage I see the impact was so dramatic that it almost ripped the cockpit completely off the airplane. You can see the pilot seat, the controls in the cockpit and all kinds of debris surrounding it from the sheer impact of the landing in which everything was scattered to pieces.
I went in the cargo hold and at this time was nothing much left. Except what looks to be some rice wine bottles and a bunch of fish life around this wreck. They’re definitely enjoying it their newfound home here.
This is an interesting wreck to see, and this is just one of the many aircraft wrecks you can experience here in the Philippines among so many more all over the islands.
Video of the Wreck Dive
I created a video of our dive to the Tabby Aircraft wreck for you to see how beautiful it is. Check out the video below.
Wreck Dive Site in Puerto Galera
There are also two wrecks you can dive in Puerto Galera waiting to be discovered for anyone. These wrecks are not all related to the world war but are still a great amount of fun to be had while getting your certification or just enjoying a change of scenery for a boost in your experience level.
Wrecks were purposefully sunk to create the ultimate diving sites here in Puerto Galera. Not only offer some amazing diving in Puerto Galera. But also give the sea life more opportunities to make a home in the pristine water here surrounding the island.
These wrecks are:
Alma Jane Wreck
– 30 meters below the surface this is a 60-ton Japanese ship 32-meter long steel. Now a host to a large variety of marine life. Encrusted with hard and soft coral, you’ll find all kinds of life here, big and small. A perfect dive site for underwater photography, mixing wide-angle, and wreck and macro life in one dive.
Sabang Wreck
– 21 meters from the surface this wreck is a home for green sea turtles, numerous Frogfish and lots of amazing sea creatures swimming around it. Perfect dive site for underwater photography, mixing wide-angle, wreck, and macro life in one dive is the perfect location to brush up on your photo skills while offering a great experience all at the same time.
These are just two of the diving sites you can enjoy in Puerto Galera. There are 14 more of these amazing dive sites found all over the various locations surrounding Puerto Galera.
Looking forward to having you here with us. Maybe next time you can go with us Diving in the Philippines for a Japanese Tabby Aircraft. If you would like more information on the best locations in Puerto Galera, how to get to the island, or just interested in how you can plan the perfect island getaway the next time you are on vacation in the Philippines. Feel free to contact us at BADLADZ Adventure Resorts and we can help you plan the perfect island holiday in a tropical paradise.
Cheers,
Sean
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