USAT MAUNA LOA (1942)
Darwin, Northern Territory
Steam powered cargo ship
VESSEL DETAILS
Launched:
1918, California, USA as SS West Conob
Sank:
1942, air raid bombing
Length:
125 metres (410’)
Beam:
16.6 metres (54’)
Displacement:
5,436 tons
Speed:
10.5 knots
Crew:
38
Passengers:
Nil
WARNING: Wrecks should not be penetrated without proper training & equipment!
NOTE: All wrecks and related artifacts older than 75 years in Australian waters are protected by the Australian Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976. Nothing can be taken!
INFORMATION
Most of the Darwin Harbour wrecks are a result of Japanese air raids during World War II, Cyclone Tracy in 1974, and deliberate scuttling.
In 1942, Mauna Loa was chartered by the US War Department and found herself in Darwin Harbour when the Japanese first attacked Darwin during World War II.
The Japanese air raid by over 200 aircraft was the first and largest attack on Australian soil during the war. Sadly, over 250 lives were lost during the raids including five on the Mauna Loa.
After being bombed, Mauna Loa sank in 18 metres (60’) of water and the top of the ship was clearly visible until removed in 1960.
The wreck site reveals Harley Davison motor bikes, military trucks, Bren Gun carriers and ammunition.
The marine life supported by the wreck is exceptional, particularly the corals, some of which are deep water corals growing on the wreck due to low visibility.
For more information go to: https://nt.gov.au/_media/docs/arts,-sport-and-leisure/arts/visit-a-cultural-or-heritage-site/maritime-heritage/mauna-loa-brochure.pdf
Mauna Loa is one of Australia’s 50 Great Dives! READ MORE
Special thanks to Todd Hughes from Dive Darwin.
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
Advanced Diver
Snorkelling:
Too deep for snorkelling & freediving
Access:
Boat only (20 minutes)
Depth:
19 metres (62’)
Visibility:
5 – 15 metres (15-50’)
Water temperature:
27 – 30°C (80-86°F)
Seasonal:
No, but dry season best
OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE IN THE AREA
USS Peary, USAT Meigs, Zealandia, Booya, Darwin Princess, Mandorah Queen, Medkhanun, Song Saigon & Catalina Flying Boats.
2026 GREAT AUSTRALIAN DIVE CHALLENGE
Dive Registration
To register this dive for validation, go to: www.50greatdives.com.
NOTE: Entrants should do this dive with one of the following preferred dive services.
DIVE SERVICES
DIVE DARWIN
GPO Box 1670
Darwin City NT 0800
+61 (0) 401 751 651
info@learntodivedarwin.com.au
www.divedarwin.com.au
SPECIAL OFFER: $50 off any Dive Darwin tour or course.
To redeem: Email info@learntodivedarwin.com.au & quote 50 Great Dives
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
LOCATION
State or Territory:
Northern Territory
Nearest City:
Darwin
Nearest Regional City:
Not relevant
Nearest Town:
Not relevant
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Darwin
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Darwin
Road:
Adelaide to Darwin:
34 hours (3,030 km/880 mi) via Stuart Hwy and National Highway 87
Broome to Darwin:
20.5 hours (1,870 km/1,160 mi) via National Highway 1
Bus:
From Adelaide or Broome
Train:
Adelaide to Darwin (The Ghan)
Ferry:
Not relevant
