Meet the site
The Dakota is one of Darwin's best aircraft dives. A65-115 was a Douglas C-47B built in 1945 and delivered to the US Army Air Forces as 44-77132, then transferred to the RAAF in June 1945, where it flew with 35 and 36 Squadrons under the call sign VH-RGC. On 5 September 1946 at about 5.08 pm, flown by Flight Lieutenant Arnold Lange, it suffered a starboard engine fire and ditched about 500 yards off Mindil Beach. All five aboard survived and were picked up by Catalina flying boats from the harbour.
The wreck was located in October 2006 by Shaun Uden of Fish Darwin and lies in about 22 m, described as virtually intact. With a 19.8 m fuselage and a 29 m wingspan it is a large target on the sandy seabed, and because it was a controlled ditching rather than a crash, the aircraft's overall shape remains recognisable. It is heritage listed, and the NT Government has installed a mooring buoy with a star-picket guide line so that divers can reach the tail without anchors damaging the airframe. The line makes navigation straightforward even in poor visibility, which suits divers new to Darwin's conditions. As an intact transport aircraft sitting upright on the seabed, it is a very different experience from the broken Catalinas in East Arm, and one of the most photogenic sites in the harbour on a clear neap. The NT Government has published a brochure on the wreck, and the Darwin Aviation Museum and the Darwin Military Museum at East Point give useful context on the RAAF transport squadrons that flew from Darwin in the months after the war. Divers must not touch or enter the airframe.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
C-47 Dakota A65-115 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- 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 C-47 Dakota A65-115 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 C-47 Dakota A65-115 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
Golden snapper, estuary cod, batfish, trevally, lionfish, sponges and soft corals on the airframe
Location
About 500 yards (460 m) off Mindil Beach towards East Point, on the open harbour-front side of the city; marked by a mooring buoy.
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.aupacificwrecks.comnt.gov.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.