Meet the site
A24-206 was a PB2B-1, a Catalina built by Boeing of Canada, delivered to the US Navy as bureau number 44217, passed to the RAF as JX611 and then to the RAAF, where it served with 43 and 20 Squadrons. Darwin Harbour was a major flying-boat base during the Second World War. US Navy Patrol Wing 10 PBYs were moored in the harbour when the Japanese attacked on 19 February 1942, and from 1944 the RAAF operated Catalina squadrons from the harbour on long-range minelaying and patrol missions into the Netherlands East Indies. At least three RAAF and six US Navy Catalinas were lost in the harbour, and DSAC numbers the known wrecks Catalina 1 to 6. The PBY Catalina had a 31.7 m wingspan, a 19.4 m hull and an empty weight of about 9,500 kg, so even a broken wreck covers a surprising area of seabed. On 20 June 1945 the aircraft was moored in the harbour, being refuelled and armed from a timber barge, when a depth charge was accidentally released, fell through the barge and exploded at its set depth. The blast sank the Catalina and killed two airmen, LAC Walter Strang and LAC Richard Graham, who are buried at Adelaide River War Cemetery.
The wreck lies in 12-16 m. The nose section is still fairly intact, but the aft section is mostly a debris field, and the starboard wing was blown off and lies some 60-70 m from the main site. Identification plates have not been found and may have been removed by divers years ago; the aircraft was identified by elimination, as only three RAAF Catalinas were lost in the harbour. It is a sobering site where two men died, and it suits divers who can navigate confidently in low visibility and will leave everything as found.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Catalina A24-206 (Catalina 3) 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 Catalina A24-206 (Catalina 3) suitable for my certification?
The record lists 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 Catalina A24-206 (Catalina 3) 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
Estuary cod, golden snapper, batfish, small reef fish, sponges on the airframe
Location
Southern anchorage of East Arm, Darwin Harbour; the starboard wing lies about 60-70 m from the main wreck.
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
pacificwrecks.comdsac.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.