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TBM Avenger

Depth: 170' - 270'

Overview

WWII Avenger torpedo bombers lost off Point Loma. Multiple exist locally, including a deep intact example (~250') and an upside-down Avenger (~170'). Challenging deep-wreck dives.

What to See

Remarkably intact aircraft structure colonized by deep-reef life.

Typical Conditions

Technical dive. Deep, cold, current and low light possible. Tech certification required.

History

TBM/TBF Avengers used post-war for training; several went down or were dumped off Point Loma, including a separate upside-down example at ~170'. The deep (~250') example covered here has been identified as a TBM-3S2 "Striker" anti-submarine variant, Bureau Number 53439 (research by Tyler Stalter); one crew member, airman Harold B. Tenney, died in the accident that put her down - exact date and operational cause not yet confirmed and should be treated as an open research question. Should be treated respectfully as a gravesite. Documented by the Marissa tech community (wreckedinmyrevo.com).