Cessna Wreck (Jaws IV)

The wreck and its story

The Cessna 310 was deliberately flown into the water by a skilled stunt pilot, creating the crash footage needed for the film's climax. The controlled impact crumpled the nose and bent the wings, leaving the recognisable silhouette of a small aircraft lying on its side on the sandy bottom. Decades underwater have softened the wreck's edges with algae and encrusting growth.

While not large, the Cessna provides an unusual photographic subject. The cockpit area remains identifiable, and both propellers can be found amid the debris field. Divers accustomed to ship wrecks find the aircraft's compact form offers a different kind of exploration.

Wall diving nearby

The Cessna's position near Clifton Wall adds significant value to dives here. After exploring the wreck, divers can fin to the wall's edge where the Great Bahama Bank drops away into deep blue water. The wall face is covered in sea fans, sponges, and hard corals, while grey reef sharks and occasional eagle rays cruise past.

Currents along the wall can be variable, so dive planning should account for conditions. Most operators drift along the wall after visiting the wreck, ending with a safety stop over the shallower reef sections.

Marine life encounters

Caribbean reef sharks are commonly seen at this site, attracted by the structure and the nearby wall's hunting opportunities. Barracuda hang motionless in mid-water, and schools of horse-eye jacks and yellowtail snapper add movement and silver flashes to the scene. Nurse sharks often rest on the sandy bottom near the wreck.

The irony of encountering real sharks at a Jaws filming location is not lost on visiting divers. These encounters are generally relaxed, with sharks exhibiting natural curiosity rather than any aggression.

Getting there

The Cessna Wreck lies off the southwestern coast of New Providence near Clifton Wall, accessible by dive boat from Nassau operators in under 30 minutes. Stuart Cove's and other operators include this site on regular reef and wall diving excursions. A surface buoy typically marks the wreck location. The site is often combined with wall diving or other nearby wrecks for a two-tank morning trip.

Frequently asked questions

How intact is the Jaws IV Cessna wreck?

The aircraft's fuselage, wings, and propellers remain identifiable, though the nose section is crumpled from the controlled crash landing. Decades of marine growth have softened the structure, but the distinctive silhouette of a small airplane is clearly visible.

Will I see sharks at the Cessna wreck?

Caribbean reef sharks frequently patrol this area due to its position near Clifton Wall. Shark sightings are common but not guaranteed. Nurse sharks also rest on the sandy bottom near the wreck.

What certification is needed to dive the Cessna wreck?

Open Water certification is sufficient for the wreck itself at 60 feet. Advanced certification is recommended if you plan to explore deeper sections of the nearby wall.