The only commonly dived aircraft wreck site in NSW is that of a Fairy Firefly that

crashed into Hare Bay within Jervis Bay, whilst undergoing navigational training on

27 November 1956. The aircraft, VX 381, collided with Firefly WD 887 which was

never found. Based at HMAS Albatross, the crew of the missing aircraft were not

recovered, those aboard VX 381 survived xx. Carrier borne anti-submarine torpedo

bombers, Firefly's first flew in 1941 and 107 were received by the Royal Australian

Navy, flown from both the carriers HMAS Sydney and HM Vengeance during the

1950's xxi. This particular aircraft, VX 381, was located in 1983 in just thirteen metres

of water, although very difficult to detect due to its low relief. Sitting on a silty bottom,

the NSW Heritage Office obtained GPS coordinates for the wreck following a

successful magnetometer survey in 1995. NAVY personnel stationed at HMAS

Creswell propose an additional survey in 2002 (Lewis, 2002:9). Unfortunately divers

have recovered many of the cockpit instruments over the years.Location: New South WalesDepth: Method: Type: Wreck and Boat DiveBest Time: Terrain: Conditions: Experience Level: Marine Life: Marine Management: A historic ship wreck and is protected.

Fairy Firefly Aircraft. firefly(1).jpg (7578kb)