BOULDER CITY, Nevada -The National Park Service issued a permit to Scuba Training and Technology, April 15, authorizing the company to provide dive tours of B-29 Superfortress Bomber that is submerged within Lake Mead.
The first guided dives are scheduled to occur April 24, marking the first time in six years visitors will be able to dive on the aircraft.
The plane crashed into Lake Mead July 21, 1948, while engaged in high-altitude atmospheric research. The crew of five survived the crash, but the plane was lost in the depths of the lake. It was discovered by local divers in August 2001.
Scuba Training and Technology, which is based in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, is now authorized to provide 100 guided client dives on the B-29 site each year for the next two years. They may also provide unlimited scuba instruction and scuba charter for other locations at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
"The B-29 Superfortress Bomber in Lake Mead is a special type of dive. Rarely do we get to visit a significant piece of American history under the water in a national park, "said Joel Silverstein, vice president of Scuba Training and Technology. "We see the B-29 dive as a gateway for divers to enjoy the many dive sites available in the Lake Mead National Recreational Area."
Capt. Kathy Weydig, a lead guide for the team, is also looking forward to the opportunity.
"Scuba Training and Technology is honored to have been selected for this commercial use authorization. We look forward to guiding divers on this unique dive site in Lake Mead," she said.
To schedule a guided dive of the B-29, visit www.divetheb29.com or call 928-855-9400.
-NPS-
Tags: nps centennial scuba dive b-29 bomber
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
