Dive Site: Der Yang Wreck

About Der Yang Wreck

The Der Yang wreck, a Taiwanese long-line fishing vessel, rests on its starboard side at a depth of 30 meters near the Echuca Patch reef, on the Pacific Ocean side of Kavieng. This site is noteworthy as the vessel was scuttled by the Fisheries Ministry in the late 1970s due to suspected illegal activities, making it a unique piece of maritime history in the region. The wreck itself is largely intact, with its hull providing structure for marine life. Divers typically descend along a mooring line directly to the wreck, exploring its length. While the wreck has only been submerged for a relatively short time, hard and soft corals have begun to colonize its surfaces, adding color and texture to the metal. The surrounding reef areas also feature sea fans. Marine life encounters at the Der Yang include larger species such as Queensland groupers, often accompanied by pilotfish. Scorpionfish can be spotted on the wreck structure. The sandy bottom near the wreck is home to smaller creatures like orange-spotted and eyebrow shrimp gobies, diligently tending their burrows with their partner shrimp. Given its location in the Coral Triangle, a global hotspot for marine biodiversity, divers can expect a vibrant ecosystem. Diving the Der Yang is accessible from Kavieng, with the site located only minutes from the docks. The dive is straightforward, allowing divers to focus on exploration and marine life observation. Visibility is generally good, and while currents can be a feature of Kavieng's diving, the wreck provides a relatively sheltered environment for detailed exploration.

Dive site facts: Der Yang Wreck

Depth

30 m

Current

Strong

Visibility

Very clear

Water temperature

28–29°C (82–84°F)

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Wreck, coral, pelagic

Region / port

New Ireland, Kavieng

Coordinates

-2.54, 150.81

Conditions & Currents

The Der Yang Wreck is situated in a highly dynamic area, exposed to strong, nutrient-rich currents originating from the Pacific Ocean. Its location within a key passage between New Ireland and New Hanover means significant water movement is common, which can vary greatly throughout the day due to multiple tidal cycles. Divers should anticipate drift conditions and be prepared for potential strong flows, especially around the bow area where sea whips and crinoids thrive. This site is suitable for advanced divers or those with current diving experience who can manage entry and exit in such conditions. Good buoyancy control is essential to navigate the wreck safely without impacting fragile coral growth, and careful gas planning is advised given the depth and potential for strenuous swimming against currents.

Marine life & sighting chances

Crinoids

common

Sea whips

common

Hard corals

common

Soft corals

common

Pelagic fish

occasional

Reef sharks

occasional

Barracuda

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving the Der Yang Wreck typically begins with a boat descent directly onto the wreck, which lies on its starboard side at a maximum depth of 30 meters. Divers often start at the bow area, where striking sea whips and crinoids provide excellent photo opportunities, particularly around 34 meters. The dive then proceeds along the remarkably intact hull, allowing exploration of the ship's structure and its thriving marine growth. Due to strong currents, a drift dive approach is often employed, letting the current carry divers along the wreck. Turnaround is dictated by air consumption and bottom time, with a slow ascent back along the wreck's shallower sections. The safety stop is usually conducted in the clear blue water above the wreck, maintaining sight of the vessel as a reference.

Underwater photography

The Der Yang Wreck offers exceptional photography opportunities due to its intact structure and the way it rests on its side, providing interesting angles and perspectives. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the entire wreck, especially when paired with a diver for scale, making for dramatic shots that have graced magazine covers. While the water is often very clear, the wreck's depth at 30 meters means light can be limited, necessitating a higher ISO or powerful strobes to illuminate foreground subjects like vibrant sea whips and crinoids. Exposing for the ambient blue water and using strobes for the wreck's details will yield the best results. Good buoyancy control is crucial for maintaining position in currents and avoiding contact with the fragile coral growth on the wreck.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Echuca Path

  Features a large coral slope teeming with marine life, complementing the wreck dive.

• Albatross Passage

  Known for strong currents and large pelagic species, offering a thrilling drift dive.

• Rabaul Submarine Wrecks

  Offers additional historical wreck diving opportunities in the broader region.

• Planet Rock

  A favorite for advanced divers with deep walls and strong currents, home to barracuda and reef sharks.

Getting there & logistics

Access to the Der Yang Wreck primarily originates from Kavieng, the main town and capital of New Ireland Province in Papua New Guinea. Divers typically fly into Kavieng Airport (KVG), which connects via domestic flights from Port Moresby (POM). Liveaboards and local dive resorts in Kavieng provide boat transfers to the dive site, which is conveniently located offshore. Dive trips to the Der Yang are often part of broader itineraries exploring the diverse Kavieng region, which includes other wrecks, channels, and reefs. While no specific permits or fees are mentioned for this individual site, general dive tourism often includes park or conservation fees within package pricing.

Safety & environment

Diving the Der Yang Wreck, given its depth and potential for strong currents, requires divers to be well-prepared and follow dive guide instructions closely. Divers should ensure they have appropriate experience and training for advanced wreck diving conditions. While specific details about the nearest recompression chamber are not readily available for Kavieng, it is generally prudent for divers in remote areas of Papua New Guinea to carry comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation. Standard safety protocols, such as careful ascent rates, safety stops, and buddy system adherence, are paramount. The site's exposure to currents necessitates vigilance regarding drift and maintaining contact with the dive group.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Der Yang Wreck FAQ

Liveaboards diving Der Yang Wreck

These liveaboards may visit Der Yang Wreck on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Oceania

Papua New Guinea

16 guests27 m

$333/day

Febrina

Papua New Guinea

12 guests22.25 m

$389/day