Meet the site
A9-497 was a Bristol Beaufort bomber, the Australian-built version of the British torpedo and reconnaissance aircraft, 13.5 m long with a 17.6 m wingspan. It flew with 1 Squadron RAAF from Gould airfield, about 100 km south of Darwin. On 26 November 1944 it developed engine trouble on a mission and turned back towards Darwin; the second engine then failed and the crew of four ditched at sea. They took about five hours to reach land, were spotted by a Catalina flying boat and were picked up by a launch the next day. All survived.
The aircraft was found by chance during a routine sonar survey commissioned by the Australian Hydrographic Office, clear enough on the imagery for experts to identify the type and how it landed. DSAC records a 2023 inspection by the NT Heritage Branch with club divers, and the discovery was publicised by Defence in January 2025. The wreck lies in about 18 m and is remarkably intact: throttles, gauges and cables remain in the cockpit, both engines and propellers are in place, and the gun turret still holds its machine gun pointing to port. Defence has stated that A9-497 will remain undisturbed under Northern Territory management. It is included here because it is part of the Darwin wreck record and a significant addition to it, but divers should not expect to visit unless the Heritage Branch opens access. It joins a growing list of Beauforts found off the NT and elsewhere in northern Australia by modern survey work, each adding detail to the story of the RAAF's strike squadrons in the north-west area campaign of 1942-45.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Beaufort A9-497 is recorded as Aircraft Wreck in Darwin Harbour. The listed access is boat (day trip). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Beaufort A9-497 suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Beaufort A9-497 through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Not documented
Location
Seabed off Darwin (Timor Sea approaches) where the RAAF Beaufort ditched in 1944; position not published.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
dsac.com.audivernet.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.