News
B-29 plane crash dive site in Nevada re-opens to public
A rare piece of American history sitting at the bottom of Lake Mead in Boulder City, Nevada, will again be open to scuba divers.
A B-29 Superfortress World War II plane crash landed in Lake Mead in 1948 and wasn’t found again until 2002.
Public access to the crash site has been restricted for the past six years, but is now open again for a brief period.
Joel Silverstein and his dive crew have been given a special permit to give guided tours to this rare piece of American history.
“The B-29’s were very important during World War II,” said Silverstein. “They carried all the different bombs and a lot of people flew in them and they were the most popular and most used plane in World War II.”
The dive site is about a 30 minute boat ride from Echo Bay near Overton, Nevada. The war plane has sat there for nearly 70 years and Silverstein says viewing the plane is like a trip back in time.
“You want to think of the B-29 Overton site like a museum. And just like when you go into a museum, you go in with a guide. We take you down the anchor line across a mooring to a gateway to get to it,” he said.
The wreckage has been closed off to the public since 2009. Damage from visitors and the economic downturn forced the National Park Service to rethink access to the site.
“We did see some minor damage happen to the plane – people kicking it, stepping on things, touching certain areas,” said Silverstein.
The historically low water level of Lake Mead has let sunlight filter down to the bottom, illuminating the wreckage so divers can get a better look.
“The other advantage of the site being in shallower water is that more divers can actually access it,” said Silverstein. “Prior to it being at 118 feet, you had to have very heavy technical diving skills to dive it.”
Silverstein says there is noticeable damage to the bomber since the last time he’s been there.
An invasive species of quagga mussels cover the plane’s wings like a furry coat. The tail section and some internal components have also been damaged by the mussels.
“What’s happened with the quagga mussels is, they’ve attached themselves to the material,” said Silverstein. “They’ve added weight to some of that material and it’s torn off, so sections of the tail that were there before are no longer there.”
The B-29 was on a classified mission carrying a crew of five in July 1948. The plane was ditched into Lake Mead, skimming across the water, ripping off all but one engine. The five men floated for six hours until they were rescued.
Confusion about where the plane sunk caused the plane wreckage to go missing for more than 50 years until it was found in 2002 with the use of sonar.
The B-29 Superfortress crash site is only open for a limited time. For the next two years, they’ll run about 100 dives a year – a limited number to prevent damage to the crash site itself.
For more information visit Joel’s website.
Source: www.8newsnow.com
Photo: Mel Clark
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
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For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
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Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
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Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
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Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
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Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
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Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
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The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
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Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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