Condolidated Catalina PBY-5A Aircraft Wreck - Trincomalee & East Coast

Out past Kalkudah, resting at 42 metres, we found the remains of a Consolidated Catalina PBY-5A. It’s a deep dive, making it one for experienced wreck enthusiasts. The parts are spread out, but distinct pieces like the wings, wheels, and a few propellers make identification easy. Over time, the ocean has claimed the metal as its own, so you’ll see plenty of reef fish flitting amongst the wreckage, and sometimes a larger pelagic cruising by. It’s an intriguing exploration, a piece of history returning to the sea.

Location
Trincomalee & East Coast, Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
8.570000, 81.230000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
42m

Marine Protected Area: Little Sober Island

Best Time to Dive in Trincomalee & East Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Trincomalee & East Coast occur in January, averaging 27.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.4°C (air: 25.8°C)
  • February: 27.4°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • March: 27.4°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • April: 27.4°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • May: 27.4°C (air: 28.9°C)
  • June: 27.4°C (air: 29.6°C)
  • July: 27.4°C (air: 29.4°C)
  • August: 27.4°C (air: 28.9°C)
  • September: 27.4°C (air: 28.7°C)
  • October: 27.4°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • November: 27.4°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • December: 27.4°C (air: 25.9°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Trincomalee & East Coast

Nearest Dive Centres to Condolidated Catalina PBY-5A Aircraft Wreck

Marine Life in Trincomalee & East Coast

Home to 259 recorded species including 205 reef fish, 16 hard corals, 14 sea snails & nudibranchs, 7 sharks & rays, 6 seagrass & algae, 5 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Condolidated Catalina PBY-5A Aircraft Wreck

Based on average water temperature of 27.4°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving the Consolidated Catalina PBY-5A aircraft wreck?
The Consolidated Catalina PBY-5A aircraft wreck is located at a depth of 42 meters. While this site is currently not available for diving, its depth suggests it would be suitable for experienced divers. This depth typically requires advanced diving certifications for safe exploration.
What specific features of the Consolidated Catalina PBY-5A wreck, and what marine life, can divers expect to see?
The Consolidated Catalina PBY-5A aircraft wreck is an intriguing site featuring distinct parts like wings, wheels with parts of the undercarriage, propellers, and engines. While currently unavailable for diving, the site is described as being full of diverse marine life, promising a scenic exploration once accessible. Divers interested in wreck diving will find this site particularly appealing.
What is the difficulty level for diving the Consolidated Catalina PBY-5A aircraft wreck, and is it suitable for recreational divers?
The Consolidated Catalina PBY-5A aircraft wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, situated at a depth of 42 meters. This depth and difficulty level typically mean it would be suitable for recreational divers with advanced certifications, such as those qualified for deep or wreck diving. However, it's important to note that this site is currently not available for diving.
What is considered the best time of year to dive the Consolidated Catalina PBY-5A aircraft wreck for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at the Consolidated Catalina PBY-5A aircraft wreck is not yet available. This is primarily because the site itself is currently not open for diving. Once the site becomes accessible, we will provide details on seasonal conditions for diving in Trincomalee & East Coast.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to dive the Consolidated Catalina PBY-5A aircraft wreck?
Given its depth of 42 meters and intermediate difficulty, diving the Consolidated Catalina PBY-5A aircraft wreck would typically require advanced certifications, such as PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent, with specialized training in deep diving or wreck diving. However, please remember that this dive site is currently not available for diving. Divers should always ensure they meet the necessary certification requirements for such depths.
What are the usual currents and visibility conditions at the Consolidated Catalina PBY-5A aircraft wreck dive site?
Specific details regarding the usual currents and visibility conditions at the Consolidated Catalina PBY-5A aircraft wreck are not provided in the current data. This is largely due to the fact that the site is presently not available for diving. We will update this information with typical conditions for the Trincomalee & East Coast once the site opens.