Meet the site
Catalina 6 is a US Navy PBY-4 Catalina, one of the Patrol Wing 10 aircraft identified as No. 4 or No. 8, and it is the best-preserved of the American flying boats in the harbour. It is also the one site on DSAC's list that divers cannot visit. 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. The NT Government lists Catalina 6 alongside the Booya as the two Darwin Harbour sites with closed-waters controls, and DSAC notes that the site still has a heritage restriction zone in place with no entry.
From DSAC's description the forward section is still clearly visible and the wings are intact but flipped upside down, with the engines facing the rear; the rest of the aft fuselage has either burnt out or is covered in mud. The inverted wings suggest the aircraft rolled as it sank after being set alight. DSAC records the depth as 12 m and lists the loss year as 1945, which, as with its sister aircraft, conflicts with its loss in the 1942 raids. The site is included here so that divers know it exists and know to stay out: the protection exists because it is the most intact example of its kind in the harbour and a key piece of evidence about the first raid. Anyone with research interest should approach the Heritage Branch.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
US Navy Catalina 6 (heritage zone) 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 US Navy Catalina 6 (heritage zone) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Wreck specialty recommended. 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 US Navy Catalina 6 (heritage zone) 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 for recreational divers
Location
Darwin Harbour; the wreck is inside a heritage restriction zone with closed-waters controls and no entry.
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.aunt.gov.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.