Wreck Diving Maui Carthaginian II

The [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/ Carthaginian II], once utilized as a whaling museum, is a reproduction of a 19th century brig analogous to the ships that first introduced commerce to the Hawaiian Islands. This ship was a cement carrier built in Germany in the 1920's and renamed the [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com 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 that displayed relics of Lahaina's historic whaling days. Atlantis Adventures sank the Carthaginian II outside of Lahaina Harbor in Maui on Dec 13, 2005, 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. Although it had no real historical worth, the Carthaginian II was one of Lahaina's most recognizable points of interest, featured in thousands of artworks and visitor photographs for in excess of thirty  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 advised against more repairs as a result of the rising costs, Atlantis was approached to claim the vessel and utilize it as an artificial reef that should in turn enrich the existing [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/I0000QolAIWmBtLg Atlantis submarine] tours in Lahaina.The first Carthaginian was a copy of a whaling supply ship that was used for the 1966 film "Hawaii",; based on the James Michener novel. The Lahaina Restoration Foundation bought the wooden boat, but it sank in 1972 on its voyage 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 many years. A fleet of roughly 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 watch the spectacle. 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 removed from two sets of openings that had been cut into the hull about 18 inches above the water line. Seawater was pumped into the hull, and twenty seven minutes afterward the Carthaginian was headed to the sandy bottom and a new shipwreck was born. Viewers let loose with applause and whoops of appreciation as the vessel silently slipped beneath the surface. Aboard the Atlantis shuttle boat 3 air-shattering blasts were fired from miniature brass cannon to mark the occasion. Dive Overview The shipwreck rests in approximately ninety  feet of water off the coast of Lahina and makes a excellent place for [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Scuba-Diving-Underwater-Photography/G0000BWCcQG1I0II/ underwater photography]. It is approximately a ten to 15 minute excursion from the harbor to the dive site. The ship was sunk about 7 years ago and at this time provides a home for a wide mix of marine life. As soon as you begin to descend from the mooring ball you will usually be able to spot the outline of the shipwreck relatively easily. The visibility at this dive site is regularly 80+ feet and much of the time over 100+ feet. There may be some current on the site so a few scuba divers might want to descend using the mooring line. As you descend you should begin to become aware of more particulars regarding the shipwreck and the impacts of being upon the reef for roughly seven years. The main mast fell in mid-summer 2011 and can at this time be seen sitting on the main deck. The main cabin roof and walls have deteriorated to a certain degree and there are numerous holes into the cargo hold. The entrance to the hold itself is rather large and readily manageable. The engine room along with the forward compartment is blocked by a gate however you can still get a good variety of shots around this area. The rear section of the cargo hold is absolutely clear and at the present time should contain various fish species or crustaceans as they are moving about the shipwreck. There are a number of frogfish on the shipwreck. I was able to photograph five different frogfish on my last dive. These fish are extremely well positioned for macro photographs and may consume a lot of bottom time, nevertheless it is definitely worth the effort. Two frogfish were upon the main deck to the rear of the main cabin and three were on the starboard side about the midships area. This shipwreck dive is best while there are fewer than ten divers in the water given that the vessel itself is not very big. While scuba diving on the ship, you can also find a ample assortment of fish including, Pacific Trumpetfish, Sergeant Majors, Dascyllus, Orangespine Unicornfish, Rainbow Cleaner Wrasse, and many more. It is a interesting dive and is highly recommended for your next journey to Maui.

As in all dives I recommend going slowly and take time to appreciate the site. Read other dive site reviews on my [http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com blog] and see other [http://stevenwsmeltzer.photoshelter.com/gallery/Scuba-Diving-Underwater-Photography/G0000BWCcQG1I0II/ underwater photographs] on my [http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com/ website] and follow me on Twitter @ [https://twitter.com/images2inspire images2inspire]. [http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com/ The pool is open]�