Maui Scuba Diving Carthaginian Ii

On December 13, 2005, following two years of preparation, Atlantis Adventures sank the Carthaginian off Lahaina, Maui, creating an artificial reef that will have lasting marine life benefits. The reefing took place off Puamana which is just outside the Lahaina harbor. The 97-foot, steel-hulled vessel, sank in 95 feet of water where it will serve as an artificial reef. The Carthaginian II, once utilized as a whaling museum, is a replica of a 19th century brig analogous to the ships which first introduced commerce to the Hawaiian Islands. The vessel was a cement carrier constructed in Germany in the 1920's and renamed the Carthaginian II. It sailed to Lahaina in 1973 where it took seven years for the historically accurate 18th century whaling ship rigging to be assembled. The ship served as a reminder of Lahaina's nautical heritage and was docked for numerous years at Lahaina Harbor. The ship was owned by the Lahaina Restoration Foundation which operated the museum on board which displayed relics of Lahaina's historic whaling days.

Even though it had no genuine historical worth, the Carthaginian II was one of Lahaina's most identifiable attractions, featured in thousands of artworks and visitor photos for in excess of thirty years. The vessel belonged to the nonprofit Lahaina Restoration Foundation, which was spending $50,000 per year to maintain the rusting hulk. When marine engineers recommended against additional repairs on account of the rising costs, Atlantis was approached to claim the ship and make use of it as an artificial reef that would in turn enrich the existing Atlantis submarine excursions in Lahaina.The first Carthaginian was a imitation of a whaling supply ship used for the 1966 film "Hawaii",; based on the novel by James Michner. The Lahaina Restoration Foundation obtained the wooden ship, but it sank in 1972 on its way to O'ahu for dry dock. The German vessel was acquired and was rechristened the Carthaginian II and after extensive work functioned as a floating museum for numerous years.

A fleet of about 20 boats was waiting when the Carthaginian II arrived at Puamana, while spectators lined the beach or pulled over on the Honoapi'ilani Highway to observe the show. Kahu Charles Kaupu offered a Hawaiian blessing, and after a 3-ton anchor was secured to the bow and the ship was in position, patches were detached from two sets of openings that had been cut into the hull about 18 inches above the water line. Seawater was pumped into the ship, and twenty seven minutes afterward the Carthaginian was headed to the sandy bottom and a new wreck was born. Viewers let loose with applause and whoops of appreciation as the vessel silently slipped beneath the surface. On board the Atlantis shuttle boat three air-shattering blasts were fired from miniature brass cannon to mark the occasion.

Examination of the Dive

The shipwreck rests in approximately ninety feet of water off the coast of Lahina and makes a great site for underwater photography. It is roughly a ten to fifteen minute excursion from the harbor to the dive site. The ship was sunk approximately 7 years before and at this time supports a wide mix of marine life. As soon as you start to descend from the mooring ball you will ordinarily be able to see the outline of the shipwreck quite easily. The visibility at this dive site is typically 80+ feet and a good deal of the time in excess of 100+ feet.

The main mast fell in mid-summer 2011 and may currently be seen resting upon the main deck. The main cabin roof and walls have begun to decay to some degree and there are several holes into the cargo hold. The entry to the hold itself is rather expansive and readily accessible. The engine room and forward compartment is blocked by a gate however you should still get a good mixture of photos in this area. There are several frogfish upon the shipwreck. Smeltzer was able to photograph five different frogfish on my last dive. These fish are very well placed for macro photographs and may use up a lot of bottom time, nevertheless it is definitely worth the effort.

it for your next visit to Maui.

View other underwater photography images by Steven Smeltzer on his website or visit his blog or follow him on Twitter @ images2inspire. The pool is open...