Lelu Harbor PBM Mariner

A Martin PBM Mariner patrol flying boat that sank in Lelu Harbor in 1945 (records indicate it crashed on take-off) and rests against a reef face at about 21 m (70 ft). One guide calls it the only PBM within diving depth anywhere; dive operators call it the 'Plane Wreck'. Sources differ on the aircraft type (a state historic-preservation page calls it a PBR-5A) and on whether a Japanese seaplane is meant. Wreck – do not touch or remove anything; artefacts are protected and removing them is illegal.

Facts

• Region: Micronesia – Yap, Pohnpei & Kosrae
• Area: Kosrae
• Depth: 21 m
• Level: intermediate
• Current: low
• Type: wreck
• Coordinates: 5.3278, 163.02805 (approximate)
• Highlights: flying boat wreck, lionfish
• Unverified: Position within Lelu Harbor is a guess: no published GPS exists; sources only say the wreck lies in the harbour against a reef face. Aircraft identity is also disputed between sources.
• Tips: Exact position inside the harbour and aircraft identity vary by source – let the operator guide you and touch nothing.

Sources

• https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pacific-island-of-kosrae-offers-historic-wreck-sites-for-divers-128460323.html
• https://www.kosraediving.com/sites.php
• https://www.uwphotographyguide.com/kosrae-scuba-diving/