Meet the site
Off Hammond Island, a short boat ride from Thursday Island, lies the wreck of a Japanese Zero fighter in about 4 m of water. Marine Life Network's Torres Strait page records that it was downed during combat in March 1942 and found some 55 years after the crash. It notes that the site is on Aboriginal land and that diving it is very difficult without local assistance. Zeros – the Mitsubishi A6M – were the principal Japanese carrier and land-based fighters of the Pacific war, and they attacked Horn Island's Allied airfield repeatedly in 1942. A Zero lost over Torres Strait would most likely have been part of one of those raids. Intact or near-intact Zero wrecks in Australian waters are rare, which gives this site genuine historical interest. The shallow depth means it can be dived on a single tank with long bottom time, but Torres Strait's tidal currents and variable visibility mean timing is crucial – dive at slack water on a neap tide. The condition of the aircraft after decades in the tropical shallows is not documented in the sources read. Crocodiles are a real hazard around Hammond Island, as throughout Torres Strait. Anyone contemplating a dive should seek permission from the traditional owners through local councils and go with local guides who know the site and the conditions. For WWII aviation enthusiasts visiting Thursday or Horn Island, this is the most intriguing underwater relic in the region – but it is not a casual dive, and access depends on local goodwill. The wreck is protected historic material and must not be disturbed.
What you might see
Reef fish and encrusting growth on the airframe (not documented)
Location
A Japanese Zero fighter downed in March 1942, lying in about 4 m of water off Hammond Island near Thursday Island.
Facilities nearby
Thursday Island: accommodation, shops, fuel, hospital (no recompression chamber); Horn Island: airport, accommodation. No dive shop or reliable air fills – arrange in advance.
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
marinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.