About B-17F Black Jack Bomber Wreck
The B-17F Black Jack bomber wreck is a significant historical dive site located off a fringing reef near the remote village of Boga Boga, at the tip of Cape Vogel in Papua New Guinea. This particular B-17F, serial number 41-24521, was one of the earliest Flying Fortresses produced by Boeing for World War II. After successfully completing a bombing mission on Japanese airfields in Rabaul in July 1943, the plane encountered severe weather and engine malfunctions. Running critically low on fuel, the crew performed a controlled ditching near Boga Boga, overshooting the shallow reef and ultimately sinking to the seabed. The aircraft now rests nearly intact on a sandy bottom, at a depth of 50 meters (164 feet). Its preserved state and clear surrounding waters make it one of Papua New Guinea's premier aircraft wrecks. Divers can explore the recognizable airframe, which lies undisturbed in the deep. While the dive is considered straightforward in terms of navigation, its depth places it beyond typical recreational limits, demanding careful planning for decompression and bottom time. Being a significant artificial reef, the wreck attracts marine life, though specific species are not detailed in the available sources. The clear, blue waters often provide excellent visibility, allowing for a comprehensive view of the bomber. The site is a testament to wartime history, offering a unique opportunity to interact with a well-preserved piece of aviation heritage. Divers should be appropriately certified and prepared for deep diving protocols to ensure a safe experience.
Highlights
Intact B-17F Black Jack bomberHistoric WWII aircraft wreckBoga Boga village locationControlled ditching siteDeep, clear water environmentSandy seabed resting place
Dive site facts: B-17F Black Jack Bomber Wreck
- Depth
- 50–50 m
- Current
- Moderate
- Entry
- Liveaboard only
- Level
- Advanced
- Dive type
- Wreck, Wreck
- Region / port
- Papua New Guinea
- Coordinates
- 9.3175° S, 149.3364° E
Conditions & Currents
The Black Jack bomber wreck typically features clear, blue waters where visibility can extend up to 40 meters (130 feet). The site is generally considered straightforward for diving, but its significant depth of 50 meters (164 feet) means it is beyond standard recreational dive limits. Divers must be prepared for decompression requirements and manage their bottom time meticulously for safety. While specific current details for this particular site are not provided, Papua New Guinea's dive sites often experience varying conditions. Given the depth, advanced certifications and technical diving experience are advisable.
Why dive B-17F Black Jack Bomber Wreck from a liveaboard?
B-17F Black Jack Bomber Wreck is one of Papua New Guinea's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.
Below are the liveaboards that include B-17F Black Jack Bomber Wreck on their Papua New Guinea itineraries.
Liveaboards diving B-17F Black Jack Bomber Wreck
These liveaboards may visit B-17F Black Jack Bomber Wreck on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
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Rapopo Wreck
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- Suitable for
- Intermediate
- Current
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Stubborn Hellion
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The Stubborn Hellion is a well-documented American B25 Bomber wreck from WWII, located in Papua New Guinea's New Ireland Province.
- Suitable for
- Intermediate
- Current
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- Access
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- Depth
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