Meet the site
On the morning of 3 March 1942, nine Japanese Zero fighters attacked Broome, destroying 15 flying boats moored in Roebuck Bay — Dutch Dorniers, US Navy PBY Catalinas and RAF/Qantas Short Empire flying boats — and seven aircraft at the airfield. Many flying boats were full of Dutch refugees evacuating Java. At least 80 people, including more than 20 children, died, making it the second-deadliest attack on mainland Australia after Darwin. A US B-24 Liberator was shot down about seven miles off Cable Beach and has never been found.
Six wrecks lie on the mudflats off Town Beach and are exposed on spring low tides below 1.1 m. The other nine lie in deeper water off the edge of the flats, several still unlocated. Divingwawrecks documents two PBY-5 Catalinas: Site 03 at about 10 m (on a 5.0 m tide) with twin 14-cylinder radial engines, nose turret and cockpit area visible; and Site 02 at up to 14 m with a complete engine in its cowling, wing structure and fuselage sections. The ABC described divers navigating 'from shadow to shadow' in soupy water.
This is among the most demanding dives in Australia: near-zero visibility, currents to 4 knots, a narrow tidal window, and a bay that is known shark and saltwater crocodile habitat. The wrecks are protected under the WA Heritage Act 2018 and treated as war graves; positions are not published, and nothing may be disturbed or removed.
It suits only highly experienced, self-sufficient divers with local knowledge and full surface support. For most visitors, the low-tide walk to the shallow wrecks and the WA Museum's material are the way to experience this history.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Roebuck Bay Flying Boat Wrecks (deep-water Catalinas) is recorded as Aircraft Wreck in Broome & Kimberley. The listed access is boat. 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.
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 Roebuck Bay Flying Boat Wrecks (deep-water Catalinas) 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 Roebuck Bay Flying Boat Wrecks (deep-water Catalinas) 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
Silt-tolerant reef fish on wreckage, large sharks, occasional saltwater crocodiles
Location
Nine WWII flying-boat wrecks in deeper water off the edge of the Roebuck Bay mudflats near Town Beach, Broome, sunk in the Japanese air raid of 3 March 1942; diveable wrecks lie in about 10–14 m at high tide.
Facilities nearby
Town Beach: boat ramp, parking, café, toilets.
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
divingwawrecks.comabc.net.audivingwawrecks.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.