The Scuba News Canada is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Paul Darnbrough — an accomplished scuba diver, Para Rescue member, active participant in the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA), Scarborough Underwater Club Inc., and the driving force behind the diving operations in the “Search for Mustang 9555.”
I first met Paul at a CHAA meeting in Oakville, and from that moment, we became friends. He fondly referred to himself as the “roving reporter” — often sharing updates, stories, and insights about the Toronto scuba scene, along with news of his ongoing search for the Mustang P-51 and Barry Newman.
“Paul was a highly valued member of the Diving Community volunteering for the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association Dive Recovery Team, Save Our Shipwrecks (SOS), Scarborough Underwater Club Inc. and PARA Rescue, patrolling Lake Ontario and participating in several rescues.
Paul was the principal organizer of CHAA-Recovery’s successful diving operations in 2022, 2023, and 2024. These missions were conducted to explore and locate an RCAF P-51D North American Mustang that crashed into Lake Ontario in 1952. The aircraft, piloted by Flying Officer Barry Allen Newman after departing from Trenton, Ontario, has never been fully recovered, and the remains of F/O Newman have not been found.
Walther Irie, CHAA – Recovery Team leader, has stated to the press, that he hopes that locating the remains of this aircraft and evidence of it’s pilot, (upon which proper government authorities will be notified for recovery), will bring closure to the family of Flying Officer Newman..” Mike McAllister
Read the Scuba News Canada Article on Search for Barry Newman and his P-51 Mustang.
Paul will be greatly missed within the diving community for the countless hours he devoted to volunteer projects. His dedication, generosity, and passion for diving left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.
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