Dive sites near San Fernando LaUnion

[DougNR]

Hello all:

During my stint in the US Air Force I had the privilege of spending time in the Philippines. Back in 1975 I worked at Wallace Air Force Station at San Fernando La Union and was very active in the site dive club.

We routinely dove a series of military tanks that had been dumped off the decks of Japanise ships as they departed the country for the last time. Apparently they had to clear the decks to make room for all the people being jammed onto the ships - or so the story went.

We also dove the wrecks of a couple of cargo ships. I recall finding the remnants of thousands of shoes, also cases of small arms ammunition. He constantly heard rumors of a Japanise submarine sunk in the area and spent a good deal of time locating and interviewing some of the more senior fishermen on the topic. We never did find a sub.

I wonder if these sites are still divable today, and if any board members are familiar with them. These dives were some of the best in my life, and if I ever had the opportunity it would be wonderful to see them again.

 

[pakman]

Never been there, but I'm been looking for more info on La Union as well. here's some info on the dive sites in the area.

http://www.divephil.com/launion/

http://www.asiadivesite.com/philippines-dive-sites/la-union/

not sure about what dive shops are still around there... Maybe the locals might be able to chime in on the details.

 

[shugar]

"ocean deep" (ok so maybe not the most original of op names)

seems to be the only operator in the area... doug, how was viz? i grew up swimming in the la union area, then even went back recently.

the beach is smooth but very dark sand, and the water is green with a viz of 2' at best... you guys must've moved further off shore?

Jag

edit: hope this is still current http://www.3routes.com/asia/phil/un/3422.html and http://www.travelsmart.net/ph/resorts/La_Union/Coconut_Grove/

edit edit: check this out pak, sounds very interesting and potential for some new adventures http://www.philippines-travel-guide.com/ilocos.html

 

[DougNR]

Never been there, but I'm been looking for more info on La Union as well. here's some info on the dive sites in the area.

http://www.divephil.com/launion/

http://www.asiadivesite.com/philippines-dive-sites/la-union/

These are great links! Thanks! The second one comes up with a photo of Wallace Air Force Station where I used to work. The Voice of America site mentioned was there as well. The link to Fagg Reef absolutely has to be where I used to dive frequently. There were three tanks, and they were quite deep, around 130 ft. We used the Navy tables at that time and I believe our bottom time was 10 minutes. Sea snakes frequented the area at that time and I'll never forget one particular dive I was a bit narced and felt something touching my ankle. Looking down, I saw a Sea snake wrapped around my leg! Managed to hold still, and it went about its business.

Thanks again, and would love to hear from others who have been to these locations.

 

[DougNR]

doug, how was viz? i grew up swimming in the la union area, then even went back recently.

the beach is smooth but very dark sand, and the water is green with a viz of 2' at best... you guys must've moved further off shore?

Jag

I was constantly amazed at the clarity of the water at the tanks. As mentioned, they're in 120-130 ft of water and we could routinely see them from the bonca(sp) boats we would hire to take us there. No navigation gear at all to get us there. The boats would find their way by simply being familiar with the bottom / reef patterns.

Diving the reefs 80-100 ft vis was common. I miss those dives!

 

[tboxcar]

Ocean Deep would be my call, I have met the man in charge Tim Aukshun several times according to his 'flyer' he has taught over 80% of the PADI instructors in PI. We usually stay with my g/f's family in the resort next to him "Bali Hai" each season, and I get to know everyone around there.
PM me for his contact info.