Scuba Diving Maui - Carthaginian II
The Carthaginian II, once used as a whaling museum, is a copy of a 19th century brig analogous to the ships that originally delivered trade to the Hawaiian Islands. This ship 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 correct 18th century whaling ship rigging to be assembled. The ship functioned as a reminder of Lahaina's nautical heritage and was docked for many 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. 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 the ship had no factual historical importance, the Carthaginian II was one of Lahaina's most familiar attractions, featured in thousands of artworks and visitor photographs for more than thirty years. The ship was owned by the nonprofit Lahaina Restoration Foundation, which was spending $50,000 per year to maintain the decaying hulk. When marine engineers advised against more repairs as a result of the increasing costs, Atlantis was approached to claim the ship and make use of it as an artificial reef which would in turn enrich the existing Atlantis submarine tours in Lahaina.The original Carthaginian was a replica of a whaling supply ship used for the 1966 film "Hawaii",; based on the novel by James Michner. 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 renamed the Carthaginian II and after extensive work functioned as a floating museum for numerous years. A fleet of about 20 boats was waiting when the Carthaginian II arrived at Puamana, while spectators lined the beach or pulled over on the Honoapi'ilani Highway to observe the show. Kahu Charles Kaupu provided a Hawaiian blessing, and after a 3-ton anchor was secured to the bow and the boat was in position, patches were removed from two sets of holes 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 toward the sandy bottom and a new wreck was born. Viewers let loose with applause and whoops of appreciation as the ship silently slipped beneath the surface. Aboard the Atlantis shuttle boat three air-shattering blasts were fired from small brass cannon to celebrate the occasion.
The Dive
The shipwreck lies in about ninety feet of water off the coast of Lahina and makes a great spot for underwater photography. It is about a ten to fifteen minute trip from the harbor to the scuba diving site. The vessel was reefed about 7 years ago and at the present supports a broad mix of marine life. Once you begin to descend from the mooring ball you will usually be able to see the outline of the wreck relatively easily. The visibility at this dive site is typically 80+ feet and much of the time over 100+ feet.
The main mast collapsed in mid-summer 2011 and will now be seen resting upon the main deck. The main cabin roof and walls have deteriorated to some level and there are several holes into the cargo hold. The entry to the hold itself is quite expansive and easily accessible. The engine room and forward compartment is blocked by a gate but you can still get a respectable mixture of pictures in this vicinity. There are several frogfish on the wreck. Smeltzer was able to photograph five different frogfish on my last dive. These fish are extremely well positioned for macro photographs and can use up a lot of bottom time, nevertheless it is well worth the effort. it for your next visit to Maui.
View other underwater photography images by Steven Smeltzer on his website or visit his blog or follow him on Twitter @ images2inspire. The pool is open...
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