FS-172 Boston – Wreck in Papua New Guinea

Name: FS-172 Boston
Address: Papua New Guinea

About FS-172 Boston

Wongat Island, off the coast of Madang in Papua New Guinea, offers unique diving experiences centered on both historical wrecks and vibrant marine ecosystems. The island is known for housing the wreck of a B-25 bomber, an Allied aircraft from WWII that intentionally ditched in a shallow strait between Wongat Island and the mainland. This poignant relic lies with its nose crumpled and machine guns visible, having transformed into an artificial reef. Its cockpit escape hatch is open, inviting divers to reflect on its history as parrotfish graze on coral-encrusted barrels and angelfish swim through bomb bay doors. Another significant wreck dive near Wongat Island is the "Henry Leith," a small coastal freighter scuttled for divers in the 1980s, resting at 20 meters on the island's western side. This 33-meter vessel is an easy dive, completely overgrown with diverse corals including black coral trees, soft corals, gorgonians, and sea whips. Its holds contain remnants of a truck, winches, and other equipment, offering plenty to explore. The wreck teems with marine life such as trevally, batfish, snappers, lionfish, and sweetlips, alongside smaller creatures like nudibranchs, shrimps, and longnose hawkfish. Diving around Wongat Island provides a blend of historical intrigue and rich biodiversity, making it a compelling destination for those interested in both wreck exploration and marine life observation. Dive sites here are generally accessible, with the Henry Leith offering an easy dive suitable for many. The wrecks are found in calm waters, providing excellent conditions for exploration and underwater photography, with depths ranging from the shallow bomber to the 20-meter freighter. A typical dive on the B-25 bomber lasts 45-60 minutes, beginning with a descent to the sandy slope where the plane rests between 15 and 22 meters. Divers typically explore the rear section before moving forward to the cockpit and machine guns.

Highlights

WWII B-25 bomber wreckCrumpled nose and machine gunsCockpit escape hatchCoral-encrusted Henry Leith freighterSoft coralsLongnose hawkfishBatfish schools

Season calendar

Best months to dive here

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Excellent

Good

Off-Season

May – Oct

Dry season with best visibility up to 30m. Calmer seas ideal for liveaboard expeditions.

Nov – Dec

Transition with increasing plankton attracting pelagics. Still good diving conditions.

Jan – Apr

Wet season with reduced visibility. Some areas remain excellent. Fewer boats and lower prices.

Dive site facts: FS-172 Boston

Depth: 15–22 m
Current: Mild to none
Entry: Dayboat
Level: Intermediate
Dive type: Wreck, history
Region / port: Madang, Papua New Guinea
Coordinates: 6.2803° S, 149.5465° E

Conditions & Currents

The dive site at Wongat Island, especially around the B-25 bomber, is well-protected within the Madang Lagoon, meaning currents are typically mild to non-existent. This calm environment ensures a relaxed and safe dive, suitable for divers of all levels, including those new to wreck diving. Visibility usually remains excellent due to the protected nature of the lagoon, ranging from 25 to 40 meters. Divers can enjoy unhurried exploration of the wreck without concerns about drift or strong water movement. Entry and exit points are generally straightforward, often a giant stride from the boat, allowing for comfortable surface intervals near the island's picturesque beaches. Water temperatures typically range from 27 to 30°C.

Getting there & logistics

Madang, Papua New Guinea, serves as the primary gateway for accessing the FS-172 and other dive sites in the region. International travelers typically fly into Port Moresby (POM) and then take a domestic flight to Madang (MAG). Liveaboards and local dive operators depart from Madang Harbour, offering itineraries that often combine several local wrecks and reef dives. While specific trip durations for FS-172 are not detailed, dive operations in the area typically involve day trips or multi-day liveaboard excursions, providing ample opportunity to explore the historical and natural attractions of Madang's waters.

Safety & environment

For diving in Papua New Guinea, comprehensive dive insurance is highly recommended due to the remote nature of many dive sites. The nearest recompression chambers are located in Port Moresby, requiring emergency air evacuation in case of a serious diving incident from Madang. Divers should maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid damaging the historical integrity of the wreck. Adhering to responsible diving practices and following dive guide instructions are crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience on the FS-172.

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

Suited for

Wreck diving enthusiasts
History buffs interested in WWII
Divers seeking calm, sheltered conditions
Photographers focusing on historical subjects

Less suited for

Divers exclusively seeking large pelagics
Those preferring strong current drift dives

FAQ

FS-172 Boston FAQ

What is the history of the FS-172 wreck?

The FS-172 was a steel Freight and Supply (FS) vessel built in 1944 for the US Army. It was approximately 54 meters long and was powered by two 500hp diesel engines. For many years, it was incorrectly identified as the USS Boston or SS Boston, but its true identity is FS-172, one of a class of transport ships vital during WWII.

Where is the FS-172 wreck located?

The FS-172 wreck is located in the waters near Madang, Papua New Guinea. Madang Harbour is known for its beauty and protected waters, making it an ideal location for diving this historic shipwreck. It rests within an area that offers generally calm conditions.

What is the typical dive experience like on the FS-172?

Diving the FS-172 offers a unique opportunity to explore a historic steel-hulled transport ship from WWII. While specific dive profiles were not detailed, the protected location in Madang Harbour suggests calm conditions conducive to thorough exploration. Divers can expect to examine the ship's structure, including details from its past as a freight and supply vessel.

Are there strong currents at the FS-172 dive site?

The FS-172 dive site is situated within the well-sheltered Madang Harbour. As a result, currents are typically mild to non-existent. This calm environment ensures a relaxed and safe dive, making the wreck accessible for various diver levels without concerns about significant water movement or drift.

What kind of marine life can be seen on the FS-172?

While specific marine life details for FS-172 were not provided in the sources, wrecks in the Madang area typically become artificial reefs. They attract a variety of reef fish and invertebrates, and are often covered in corals. Divers can expect to see species that have colonized the ship's structure, turning it into a thriving underwater habitat.

Why dive FS-172 Boston from a liveaboard?

FS-172 Boston 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 FS-172 Boston on their Papua New Guinea itineraries.

Liveaboards diving FS-172 Boston

These liveaboards may visit FS-172 Boston on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Oceania

Papua New Guinea

16 guests27 m

Febrina

Papua New Guinea

12 guests22 m

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