MV Henry Bonneaud
It holds a treasure trove of sunken ships and aircraft, making it a diving hotspot in the South Pacific. Among these relics, the Henry Bonneaud stands out as a unique piece of maritime history.
Location
Just outside of Luganville, Vanuatu
Depth
30 to 40 metres
Type
CargoShip
Build
1950
Sunk
1980
Length
44 metres
Tons
500
Location
Just outside of Luganville, Vanuatu
Depth
30 to 40 metres
Type
CargoShip
Build
1950
Sunk
1980
Length
44 metres
Tons
500
MV Henry Bonneaud
The waters surrounding Espiritu Santo, one of the main islands in Vanuatu, hold a treasure trove of sunken ships and aircraft, making it a diving hotspot in the South Pacific. Among these relics, the Henry Bonneaud stands out as a unique piece of maritime history. Unlike many of the unintentional shipwrecks in the area, the Henry Bonneaud was an island trader that was deliberately sunk to create a dive site.
The intentional sinking of vessels like the Henry Bonneaud offers several benefits. Over time, these sunken ships have evolved into artificial reefs, providing a sanctuary for a diverse range of marine life, from corals and sponges that attach to the ship’s structure to schools of fish that seek shelter within their confines. This transformation not only aids in marine conservation efforts but also offers divers a chance to explore a controlled environment, rich in both natural beauty and man-made structures.
Divers exploring the Henry Bonneaud can expect to weave through its chambers and corridors, observing the gradual takeover by marine life. Encrustations of corals, playful clownfish darting in and out of anemones, and the occasional curious turtle or reef shark make each dive a unique experience. Given Espiritu Santo’s rich diving legacy, notably the famous SS President Coolidge, the Henry Bonneaud serves as a testament to the island’s commitment to preserving and enhancing its underwater heritage for divers to cherish and explore.
Explore More Sites
WWII Ship Wrecks
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WWII Plane Wrecks
We are lucky to have a variety of WWII plane wrecks
- Consolidated PBY Catalina Flying Boat
- Douglas SBD Dauntless Dive Bomber
- Grumman F4F WildCat
- Vought F4U Corsair
- Grumman J2F Duck
Coastal Trading Ship Wrecks
We have 3 local Coastal Trading ships to dive
- MV Tui Tawaite
- MV Henry Bonneaud
- MV Dedele