Scuba Diving Maui - Carthaginian II

On December 13, 2005, following two years of preparation, Atlantis Adventures [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/I0000P3EGHOzhWz8 sank the Carthaginian] off Lahaina, Maui, creating an [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/I0000H11I7QA.3Ec artificial reef] that will have lasting [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/I0000Fox.FetI6Xc 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 copy of a 19th century brig comparable to the ships that originally delivered commerce to the Hawaiian Islands. This vessel was a cement carrier built in Germany in early 1920 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 functioned as a reminder of Lahaina's seafaring heritage and was docked for many years at Lahaina Harbor. The ship was owned by the [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/I0000B7ntwDiz8cY Lahaina Restoration Foundation] that operated the museum on board that displayed relics of Lahaina's historic whaling days. Even though the ship had no factual historical value, the Carthaginian II was one of Lahaina's most familiar points of interest, featured in thousands of artworks and visitor pictures for more than 30 years. The ship was owned by the nonprofit Lahaina Restoration Foundation, that was spending $50,000 per year to preserve the decaying hulk. At what time marine engineers recommended against additional repairs due to the mounting costs, Atlantis was approached to claim the ship and utilize it as an artificial reef which should in turn enrich the existing [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/I0000QolAIWmBtLg Atlantis submarine] excursions in Lahaina.The original Carthaginian was a copy of a whaling supply ship used for the 1966 movie "Hawaii",; based on the James Michener novel. The Lahaina Restoration Foundation obtained the wooden ship, but it sank in 1972 on its way to O'ahu for dry dock. The German ship was acquired and was renamed the Carthaginian II and following extensive work served the city as a floating museum for numerous years. A flotilla of approximately 20 boats was waiting when the Carthaginian II arrived at [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/I0000VsMtIqSk0zY Puamana], and spectators lined the shore 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 boat was in position, patches were detached from two sets of holes that had been cut into the hull about 18 inches above the water line. Seawater was pumped into the ship, and 27 minutes later the Carthaginian was headed toward the sandy bottom and a new wreck was born. Observers let loose with applause and whoops of appreciation as the vessel quietly slipped beneath the surface. On board the Atlantis shuttle boat three air-shattering blasts were fired from small brass cannon to celebrate the occasion. Evaluation of the Dive The vessel was sunk approximately 7 years past and currently provides a home for a wide range of marine life. When you commence to descend from the mooring ball you will usually be able to see the outline of the wreck rather easily. The visibility at this dive site is typically 80+ ft and a great deal of the time in excess of 100+ feet. The shipwreck is located in about ninety  feet of water off the shoreline of Lahina and is a excellent place for [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/ underwater photography]. The main mast fell in mid-summer 2011 and may currently be viewed sitting upon the main deck. The main cabin roof and walls have deteriorated to some level and there are copious holes into the hold. The access to the hold itself is very expansive and readily accessible. The engine room and forward compartment is blocked by a gate however you may still get a decent range of photos in this vicinity. There are a number of frogfish upon the wreck. Smeltzer was able to photograph five different frogfish on my last dive. These fish are very well placed for [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/I00009H42w7U0w70 macro underwater] photography and can consume a lot of bottom time, however it is well worth the effort.  it for your next trip to Maui.