411 Dive Log Australasia April 2025

wreck were giant hawsers and the propellor. We followed our guide up inside the wreck to inspect a motor bike, then to the holds full of concrete, saki bottles, the ships lanterns and the tank with ammunition. Our final ascent was through the hole in the hull that was made by the torpedo that sunk her. The next dive was at Hot Spot, a round pinnacle nearby. After the dive we visited another deserted Island called Njari for lunch and surface interval. Sadly, our third dive of the day had to be cancelled due to a menacing storm front that was approaching from the west. We had to high tail it back home to Gizo and then Imagination Island. Danny suggested we do a night dive on the private wreck of a fishing vessel right next to the restaurant. The owners arranged to get this forty-metre steel boat and sink it as close as possible to the resort. So close that it is a ‘shore dive from the wharf just sixty or so metres away. Before the dive, I arranged with the chef, to throw a few fish scraps in front of me whilst I snorkelled to attract the Black Tip sharks during the sunset This is my idea of fun. Highly photogenic, harmless little sharks feeding right in front of my camera. This was lucky for me because I realised immediately that this photo shoot was not going to work. The cloudy afternoon sunset did not have the bright colours I had hoped for and I found it impossible to manipulate my oversized camera

set up. We planned to try again in the morning with scuba. So, it was put on hold for the night dive. We geared up on the wharf at the restaurant and hopped in. Our first encounter was a few Ornate Lobsters. Danny told us that the corals here are some of the best snorkelling anywhere in the Solomon Islands. He was right! Rich coral gardens supported excellent fish life. It was easy to find the wreck sitting on its side in 14 to 19 metres. I found the propellor at first before swimming around to the deck side of the hull. After exploring the holds and superstructure, I found several sleeping Parrotfish and a large Leatherjacket. I was gobsmacked that such a good dive was just a few minutes from the wharf. In the morning, I resumed my quest to get the shot of the Black Tip reef sharks. The chef was most happy to feed the sharks for me. We visited Oravae Cottage after the Toa Maru. This is the perfect honeymoon / get back to nature getaway island. Beautiful timber huts with thatched roof and situated right on the water with a private wharf. It is another magical tropical secret spot, a perfect place to find seclusion and privacy. It was sad to leave Imagination Island. It is a very cosy, intimate resort with a special magical charm that encapsulated the romance of the South Pacific to perfection. For more information, go to https://www.imagination-island.com/

34 Dive Log Australasia #411 April 25

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