Jacob was part of an allied convoy called Lilliput, bringing supplies from Milne Bay to Oro bay when at 1300 hrs she was attacked by 12 Japanese aircraft. Major damage was caused when a bomb dropped on number 3 hatch causing major structural damage and causing the vessel to sink. Of the 158 crew members 153 were picked up by the Corvett H.M.A.S Bendigo and the other 5 members died. One member Private Watson recently received the medal of honor from President Clinton. Jacob lies 9 nautical miles off Port Lock Harbour in 160 feet of water. Lying upright with the top of the funnel in 35 meters she is perhaps the best wreck dive in Papua New Guinea. Her hatches are full with general cargo such as timber, ammunition weapons, food and fuel. The funnel is the most predominant feature towering above the rest of the vessel. Divers from this vantage point can look down on the rest of the ship and admire the fish life and soft corals. The Jacob's wheelhouse has been fortified against attack and her telegraphs and bridge machine guns are as they were when she sank, Crockery is scattered throughout the wreck, several pieces showing the Dutch shipping company's emblem KPM. And below decks, coca cola bottles showing their place of manufacture, San Francisco, California and dating from 1938 to 1942. The Jacob's massive propeller is still intact and certainly worth a look at along with the many thousands of fish that inhabit the wreck including Manta's Whalesharks, Giant Groper and Sharks.
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S'Jacob |
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