DC3 Plane Wreck

For visitors to remote Vansittart Bay, the wreck of this USAAF Air Transport Command C-53 Skytrooper is a fascinating sight. This DC3 crashed en route from Perth to Broome back in February 1942, after the disoriented pilot made an emergency landing in bad weather on a salt pan on the western side of Mungalalu Truscott Airbase. To the pilot’s credit, all crew and passengers survived and their Kimberley adventure continued when, days later, they were rescued by a passing QANTAS flying boat.

Despite years of battering by storms and fires, the wreck is still in good condition, and is a unique stopover on cruise itineraries.

Vansittart Bay is located in Wunambal Gaambera Country. Visitors must purchase a Uunguu Visitor Pass (cruise operators will arrange this).