In 1985, Greenpeace’s flagship, The Rainbow Warrior, was en path to protest nuclear testing by the French in Moruroa Atoll, French Polynesia. It by no means reached its vacation spot, after French Secret Service brokers sank it in Auckland Harbor. Two years later, the wreck of the Rainbow Warrior was moved to create a man-made reef off the Cavalli Islands in Matauri Bay, New Zealand.
Diving the Rainbow Warrior
The Rainbow Warrior, 130 ft (40 m) lengthy, lies in 88 ft (27 m) of water on the deepest level. Sarcastically, the wreck lives as much as its title, now lined in spectacular, colourful jewel anemones. It’s dwelling to quite a lot of macro life, and divers can see faculties of golden snapper, kingfish, and john dory. The rear cabins home bigeyes, whereas divers can spot roughies within the forecastle.
Though the highest of the wreck sits at round 50 ft (15 m), the principle construction descends hits 88 ft (27 m). The depth of the wreck makes a dive on the Rainbow Warrior a deep(er) dive, which requires no less than a complicated qualification. A wreck specialty qualification is required for penetration.
The wreck is upright, leaning barely to the starboard facet. Though penetration is feasible, the hull has began to interrupt aside, and items of the vessel will be seen scattered alongside the underside. The highest a part of the bridge has collapsed; the masts are gone, and the decks are lined in kelp. Divers can simply see the outlet attributable to the blast that initially sank the vessel on the starboard facet of the hull.
The port facet of the wreck faces north and is roofed in seaweed that draws leatherjackets. The starboard facet’s shade creates good situations for sponge development.
Water temperature ranges between 59 F (15 C) from late winter to early spring and 71 F (22 C) in summer time, with visibility between 50 to 65 ft (15 to twenty m). Summer time and fall (between January and Might) convey the most effective visibility. The currents across the wreck are often fairly delicate, though stronger currents will be current on the floor.
You possibly can dive the Rainbow Warrior both by small boat from Matauri Bay, or by becoming a member of a constitution boat that departs from Paihia within the Bay of Islands.
