Airpland Barge

Airpland Barge

Tampa Bay Dive Sites

Airpland Barge ids the remains of an old Navy bomber, a Lockheed Neptune P2V-3 which was secured to an old barge that was towed out into the Gulf of Mexico to form part of the Pinellas County Artificial Reef Program.

Tampa Bay – Wreck Diving

Airpland Barge was possible because the bomber was donated to Pinellas County by Phil and Bud Brouchard, owners of the Florida Military Aviation Museum.

The bomber originally had a wingspan of over 100 feet but the airplane was badly corroded and therefore donated to the artificial reef program after having the tail and wings removed.

The barge and its cargo, the bomber, where sunk in just over 40 feet of water and a plaque was placed at the site to dedicate the reef to the armed services.

The wreck has plenty of fish in the area with barracuda, snappers and grunts making this wreck their home.

Tampa Bay Scuba Videos

One of the attractions of Tampa Bay scuba diving is that you will be able to take underwater photographs or underwater videos such as the one below.The Gulf of Mexico waters are warm and clear so you will be able to get some good shots.

This video was taken in Tampa Bay and although the scuba diver admits he needs a better camera it does give you an idea of what to expect when diving in Tampa Bay. (Press the button second right on the bottom of the video player to see it in full screen)…

Terence’s Log

When scuba diving any of the reefs around Tampa Bay care has to be taken as these reefs were designed and constructed for scuba diving and for Tampa Bay fishing which is very popular so you will see lots of fishing boats around these dive sites.

This is an unusual wreck but its a pity they couldn’t find a way of keeping the whole plane intact.