Wreck Diving Maui Carthaginian II

The [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/ Carthaginian II], previously used as a whaling museum, is a reproduction of a 19th century brig similar to the ships which first introduced trade to the Hawaiian Islands. The vessel was a cement carrier built in Germany in 1920 and renamed the Carthaginian II. It sailed to Lahaina in 1973 where it took seven years for the historically correct 18th century whaling ship rigging to be assembled. The ship functioned as a reminder of Lahaina's maritime heritage and was docked for many years at Lahaina Harbor. The ship was owned by the Lahaina Restoration Foundation that operated the museum on board that displayed relics of Lahaina's historic whaling days. On December 13, 2005, following two years of preparation, Atlantis Adventures sank the Carthaginian off Lahaina, Maui, 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 true historical worth, the Carthaginian II was one of Lahaina's most recognizable points of interest, featured in thousands of artworks and visitor pictures for in excess of 30 years. The vessel belonged to the nonprofit Lahaina Restoration Foundation, that was spending $50,000 per year to keep the rusting hulk. When marine engineers advised against more repairs on account of the mounting costs, Atlantis was approached to claim the ship and use it as an artificial reef that should in turn improve the existing [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery-image/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/I0000QolAIWmBtLg Atlantis submarine] excursions in Lahaina.The first Carthaginian was a replica of a whaling supply ship 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 way to O'ahu for dry dock. The German vessel was acquired and was rechristened the Carthaginian II and after extensive work served the city as a floating museum for many years. A fleet of around twenty boats watched the Carthaginian II as it arrived at Puamana along with many spectators lining the beach. A blessing was offered in Hawaiian and a 3 ton anchor was secured to the bow and seawater started to be pumped into the hull. Twenty seven minutes later the ship sank to the bottom amidst applause from the spectators and the blasts of 3 small brass cannons. Examination of the Dive The ship was sunk roughly 7 years past and at this time supports a wide variety of marine life. Once you begin to descend from the mooring ball you will generally be able to see the outline of the wreck relatively easily. The visibility on this dive site is typically 80+ feet and much of the time in excess of 100+ feet. The shipwreck is located in approximately ninety  feet of water off the shoreline of Lahina and is a excellent site for [http://stevenwsmeltzer.com/gallery/Carthiginian-Shipwreck/G0000uhmxfmGxkic/ underwater photography]. There may be some current on the site so some scuba divers may want to descend using the mooring line. As you descend you should begin to become aware of more particulars regarding the ship and the impacts of being on the reef for approximately 7 years. The main mast collapsed in mid-summer 2011 and can currently be viewed sitting on the main deck. The main cabin roof and walls have begun to decay to a certain level and there are numerous holes into the hold. The entrance to the hold itself is quite large and readily manageable. The engine room and forward compartment is blocked by means of a gate but you will still get a good variety of photos around this area. The rear section of the cargo hold is absolutely clear and at the present time will contain a variety of fish species or crustaceans as they happen to be moving about the ship. There happen to be a number of frogfish on the wreck. I was able to photograph 5 different frogfish on my most recent dive. These fish are extremely well positioned for macro photographs and can use up a lot of bottom time, but it is well worth the effort. Two frogfish were on the main deck to the rear of the main cabin and 3 were on the starboard side about the midships area. This wreck dive is best while there are fewer than ten divers in the water given that the shipwreck itself is not very large. While scuba diving on the wreck, you will also find a large assortment of fish including, Pacific Trumpetfish, Sergeant Majors, Dascyllus, Orangespine Unicornfish, Rainbow Cleaner Wrasse, and many more. It is a worthwhile dive and is highly recommended for your next visit to Maui.