The charming town of Kaş located on Turkey’s turquoise Mediterranean coast is famous for its vibrant marine life, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking diving spots. In one of my previous articles, I mentioned the Canyon Diving spot. Now it’s time to talk about the Dakota C-47 plane wreck.
The C-47 plane wreck located in the harbor area of Kaş, hosts hundreds of certified divers during the season. Let’s take a look at what we know about the C-47 together.
Douglas C-47 Skytrain: A Brief History
Before diving into the depths, it is useful to understand the importance and story of the plane lying beneath the waves. The Douglas C-47 Skytrain is a military transport aircraft developed from the civilian DC-3 passenger aircraft, also known as the Dakota in British service. Introduced in the 1940s, the C-47 played a crucial role during World War II in various missions such as troop transport, cargo delivery, and medical evacuation.
Key Features of the C-47
Length: Approximately 19.65 meters
Wingspan: Approximately 28.96 meters
Crew: Typically 3 to 4 people
Capacity: 28 soldiers or 2,722 kg of cargo
Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp engines, each producing 1,200 horsepower
The aircraft’s robust design and versatility led to its widespread use during the war. For the same reason, it was produced in large numbers.
Diving Site: Dakota C-47 Wreck in Kaş
After reviewing the technical information about the aircraft, let us proceed to the story of the C-47 lying underwater in the Kaş region.
In 2009, a decommissioned C-47 Dakota aircraft was intentionally sunk in the Kaş harbor area to create an artificial reef and enhance the local diving experience. The wreck currently lies on a sandy bottom at a depth of approximately 14 to 22 meters.
Lying on the sandy bottom requires you to be a good swimmer. This is because every time you touch the sandy bottom, your visibility is impaired, reducing the enjoyment of both your own group and the divers who come after you.
Although the wreck is not particularly rich, it does provide a habitat for certain species. It has become a living space for various marine species, including lionfish, sea urchins, and occasionally turtles, which are rapidly spreading across the Mediterranean.
If you draw a circle in the sandy area, you are likely to see stingrays and blind shrimp.
Underwater visibility is generally excellent. Especially in summer, it can exceed 30 meters.
Water temperature can reach 18°C in early spring and up to 28°C in late summer.
If you want to visit the C-47 wreck, simply contact the diving centers in Kaş harbor.
As with all diving sites, it is very important not to touch the wreck in order to protect it and the marine life around it.
If you happen to be in Kaş and are a certified diver, don’t leave without visiting the C-47 Plane Wreck.
Happy diving!
