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I have recently returned from Guadacanal, the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific Ocean. The 22 mile wide canal was the scene of one of the most intense sea battles of the 2nd World War. Around 65 ships lie in the Canal, including US, Japanese, Australian and New Zealand war ships, submarines, transports, troop carriers and planes. The majority of these lay in undiveable waters, (more's the pity) but the wrecks that are divable would take months of continuous diving to do them justice. Of note from my point of view were the troopship John Penn, in 180 feet, the Benson class destroyer Aaron Ward, only months ago discovered, and the Kanoa, US tanker. These wrecks are littered with relics, too numerous to mention. The Aaron Ward lies in 230 feet, and is upright, with all guns and depth charges still in place. This was an awesome sight for me, and 25 minutes was up before I knew it. The wreck can be penetrated, and the hatch to the engine room is open, with the big hose used to pump out the sinking ship in place. There is little coral growth, due to the depth, which makes everything easy to recognise. The water temps are 29C in January, the vis is about 60-80 feet, and the diving is cheap. (Dive Solomons charges about $30-35US for a dive, including twin 88cf alloys) There is an IANTD store on the Island, but they don't have their own boat, and I could not get nitrox from them, even after they phoned the Australasian Representative of IANTD in Australia, as I forgot my C-card. The Dive solomons operation however, dives these wrecks every day, and has vastly more experience on all the good wrecks. They would be my only choice for experienced deep divers. Feel free to ask me if you want more details. Rod Nairne.
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