Technical Scuba Diving
The author revisits the PBM Mariner wreck off Point Loma to improve a previous photogrammetry model, dealing with minor equipment issues and poor surface conditions during the dive. The new model features enhanced color and detail, providing a more accurate visual document of the historically significant wreck for an upcoming book.
Photogrammetry model of a deep TBM Avenger that crashed in 1952. Bureau Number is 53439.
Introduction I've always loved the F-4 Phantom. There is a well-known F-4 Phantom wreck in the Torrey Pines area of San Diego (actually, very close the P-38) that is about 150 feet deep. I've dove it a couple times and it is usually dark and limited visibility. For my upcoming book, I had gone further [...]
Introduction One of the wrecks that I am writing about for "Aviation Wrecks of Southern California" is the F4D Skyray that crashed in the 1950s. The pilot, Leo J. "Pete" Colapietro bailed out at 650mph and living to tell the story. I had previously posted some great photos I recently received from a family member. [...]
I will be presenting the keynote at the 55th Annual California Wreck Divers Banquet on 16 May 2026 at Dive 'N Surf in Redondo Beach. I presented two years ago and it was a lot of fun and camaraderie. The topic this year will be "Southern California Tales of Mystery & Aviation" which will cover [...]
There has been plenty published about the Georgia fishing boat (which was originally mis-identified as the Retriever). For background, I would recommend reading the California Wreck Divers web page on the Georgia / Retriever. I had gone with Ray & Kyaa at Sundiver back up to the F4D Skyray in Santa Monica Bay to work [...]
Intro Tyler and I had been planning a trip to the Coronado Island with Lora at Marissa Charters for a very long time. It was deferred at least 2-3 times due to weather, unplanned trips, etc. We finally got down there in early February 2026. Tyler had a friend who had seen an airplane wreck [...]
I have been included in the speaker line-up at the Long Beach Scuba Show. Details of my presentation date/time and some information are: Sunday, May 31 11:30am - 12:15pm My presentation will be about some of the Southern California airplane wreck mysteries that we recently uncovered (mistaken wreck identities!) while writing my upcoming book. I [...]
Background For the "Aviation Wrecks of Southern California" book, one of the planned chapters is about the story of the pilot who bailed out of a F4D "Ford" Skyray at 650 miles-per-hour at 18,000 feet -- and lived! I'm digging deeper into the story of Leo J. "Pete" Colapietro and trying to get more photos [...]
The author is focused on researching the Aviation Wrecks of Southern California, specifically detailing the military history of Stephen Endres, a Purple Heart recipient from WW II. Despite challenges in contacting his relatives, significant information about his service and injuries has been uncovered, emphasizing his heroic contributions in combat.
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