C-47 DAKOTA AIRCRAFT WRECK

Location and Accessibility:
The C-47 Dakota Aircraft Wreck is located adjacent to the SG115 Wreck on Black Island, near the Bodrum Peninsula. The site is accessible via a 30-minute boat ride with The Divers Club. This dive location offers two distinct routes, each providing a unique experience for divers.

Dive Routes:

1. Dive Route 1 – C-47 Dakota Aircraft Wreck:
   • Starting Depth: 3 meters (within the bay)
   • Dive Path: The dive begins at a shallow depth in the bay, with divers following the left wall as they descend gradually to 18 meters. After 10 to 12 minutes of swimming, the wreck comes into view. The C-47 Dakota is a historic aircraft, originally designed by the Douglas Aircraft Company during World War II. In 1974, it was used by the Turkish Air Force to deploy paratroopers over Cyprus. After being decommissioned, it was donated to Bodrum and sunk in 2007 by BOSAD to serve as an artificial reef.
   • Wreck Exploration:
     • The engine and propeller, detached from the wing, are visible at approximately 17 meters.
     • The cockpit rests on the seabed at 23 meters.
     • The fuselage is located at around 34 meters, roughly 20 meters from the wings.
   • Marine Life: The area around the wreck may attract a variety of marine species, including groupers, moray eels, and schools of various fish.
2. Dive Route 2 – Paçoz Wall:
   • Starting Depth: 3 meters (within the bay)
   • Dive Path: After entering the bay, divers follow the right wall as they exit. The wall descends to a maximum depth of 36 meters. A slight veer to the right reveals two patches of posidonia, a seagrass bed favored by groupers. The dive is known for its clear visibility, minimal current, and comfortable conditions, making it accessible to divers of all skill levels.
   • Marine Life: Along the wall, divers can encounter schools of dentex and leerfish, as well as groupers, moray eels, lionfish, crabs, lobsters, tritons, and vibrant nudibranchs.

Dive Site Characteristics:

• Maximum Depth: 36 meters
• Type of Dive: Wreck Dive, Wall Dive, Deep Dive
• Ideal For: Discovery Divers, Open Water Divers, Advanced Divers, and DPV Divers.

Recommendations:

• DPV Divers can enhance their experience by exploring both the C-47 Dakota Aircraft Wreck and Paçoz Wall during a single dive.
• The C-47 Dakota Aircraft Wreck offers an exciting wreck dive, while the Paçoz Wall provides a rich wall dive experience with a diversity of marine life.