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sHIpWreCKs
oF TrUK lagoon......
a glImpse

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INSIDE COVE RESERVED FOR DIVE WOLRDWIDE

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sHIpWreCKs
TrUK lagoon
by peTer CollIngs

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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION PAGE 5

AREA MAP PAGE 7

OPPERATION HAILS TONE PAGE 9

FUJIKAWA MARU PAGE 10

FUZUS UKI (IJN) PAGE 12

GOS EI MARU PAGE 16

HEIAN MARU PAGE 18

HOKI MARU PAGE 19

KENS HU MARU PAGE 20

KIYOS UMI MARU PAGE 21

NIPPO MARU PAGE 24

UNKAI MARU PAGE 26

RIO DE JAN ERO MARU PAGE 27

S AN FRANS ICO MARU PAGE 28

S ANKIS AN MARU PAGE 29

S HINKOKO MARU PAGE 32

YAMAGARI MARU PAGE 34

EMILY FLYING BOAT PAGE 37

BETTY BOMBER PAGE 38

S HARK DIVES PAGE 42

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INTRODUCTION
The legacy of Truk Lagoon was born out of Warefare-from a period of bloody history surpassing all
before. Today in stark contrast, an entire fleet, which aided that destruction lies silently on the
bottom of the lagoon-.After almost 70 years these vessels remain a museum to that conflict-but
have been reborn-brought back to life by mother nature.

I first visited these wrecks back in the early 80’s-about the same time as my adventures began in
Egypt. But these wrecks are a beacon to the rest of the world in terms of conservation. In those 35
years I have seen little change in the Truk wrecks save some damage caused by livaboard vessels.
Indeed the coral and fish life seems to get better as time goes on. Thos e responsible in Egypt should
take note!

The wrecks are all very well documented and this publication is a mere introduction to the wrecks
and is intended as an introduction for those thinking of visiting Truk-I have selected a handful of my
favourites-after 8 visits that list is growing!

Masterful works by ROY SMALLPAGE, KLAUSS LINDEMANN and DAN.E. BAILEY are all highly
recommended.

I could not complete this work with paying homage to the father of wreck diving in Truk-KIMIUO
AISEK, who I had the great privilege to meet on several occasions. At the age of 17 Kimiuo witnessed
the events of Feb 17-18 1944, and later went on to establish the Blue Lagoon Dive centre. He died
Ja nuary 4th 2001

M any of the vessels featured in this publication are of Japanese origin, the letters IJN
preceding the ships name refer to a naval vessel (Imperial Japanese Navy). M erchants ships
are designated with the word M ARU after their name.(Maru roughly translated means “to go
around”) In the case of an “auxillary naval” vessel, such as a fleet oiler the correct designate
would be IJN and not M aru. Most Japanese vessels had their name embossed in both English
as well as Japanese characters, due to international shipping procedures and canal transfers.

It goes without saying that this location is regarded by most experts as the best wreck diving
in the world. As such the wrecks have been expertly identified and documented in two sup erb
books;

“Hailstorm Over Truk” by Klauss lInferman

And

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“WW2 Wrecks of Truk Lagoon” by Dan e Bailey

I cannot praise these books enough-neither leaves any stone unturned. Another excellent
publication is by Roy Smallpage and is p erhaps more user friendly when visiting the wrecks
All 3 should grace the wreck divers bookshelves!

The wrecks offer diving for all levels, with 29/20 degrees, 100ft viz and no currents, not only
is it a hallowed location but a perfect class room for those wishing to improve their wreck
diving skills. Over the 8 expeds so far we have averaged some 30x 70 minute dives each
over our 9 day stay.

While I would always recommend livaboard diving, in Truk its a different story. Currently
the livaboards offer 6 days unlimited diving-ie 5 dives a day. A tough relentless schedule and
more expensive! We have observed these floating hotels anchored up and using their skiffs in
the same way as hotel based operations. Choose wisely!

E BOOK CONCEPT
The idea of the E BOOK series came about after seeing so many incorrect publications quoting the
wrong identity of the Tile Wreck at Abu Nuhas in the Red Sea. Despite a plethora of undeniable facts
presented by myself and members of the Red Sea Wreck Academy, self proclaiming experts still, for
reasons known only to themselves, continued to quote the MARCUS as the CHRISOULA K. It was
archive photographs from Howard Rosenstien and the location of the ships bell, which added weight
to Stephan Jablonski’s accounts of the sinkings’. This new material gave us enough to produce the
first E book in 2008.

Being free from restrictions it soon found its way around the world and was passed on from diver to
diver. It had the desired effect-Now more and more reports carry the correct identity.

It was also an opportunity to give something back to diving –and promote the forthcoming
“EGYPTIAN SHIPWRECKS.” Of course there was als o controversy over the identity and purpose of the
RUSSAIN WRECK at Zabagad, and this lead to the second title. THISTLEGORM REVEALED is a leader
for the new publication “SUNDERLAND TO SUEZ THE STORY OF THE THISTLEGORM”, out now. “SUEZ
WRECKS ” highlights the achievements of our regular wreck hunting trips up into the Gulf, and
“EGYPTIAN SHIPWRECKS” gives a glimpse of the forthcoming book featuring over 200 wrecks in
Egyptia n waters.

Now we focus on other wreck locations around the world in this second series.So now we have a
total of 10 titles available, yours to enjoy and pass on-to anyone who may be interested-and don’t
forget we run regular expeditions and safaris to all these featured wrecks

Safe diving,

Peter Collings

SSI PRO 5000.BSAC AI 1624

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Map depicting the strategic importance of Truk and Palau-.This is one of many mosaics
depicting the Pacific campaign during the second world war, which adorn the walls of the
monoliths in the American Military Museum in Manila

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. OPERATION HAILSTONE
The Japanese had for many years prepared Truk Lagoon as a forward naval base. A huge
natural harbour and deep anchorage, strategically placed in the heart of the trade routes. They
had established air fields and anti aircraft defences, but it was their belief in the impenetrable
air umbrella of the Zero fighter which was to be the inevitable downfall of the base.

The Americans had hoped to catch the capital ships including the Battleships Yamato and
M usashi-, but their high level reconnaissance planes were sp otted tipping the Japanese off
and the major capital ships had left before the first airstrikes arrived.

Task Force 58 comprised mainly of the carriers Yorktown, Enterprise, Cabot, Essex,
Lexington and Bunker Hill, plus the battleships Iowa and New Jersey.

17/18 feb 1944; The first waves of the attack were to take out the air cover and the new
American fighters, Grumman Hellcats, were more than a match for the Zero’s. Given that
some of the Japanese pilots were on different islands to their planes, the merchant fleet was at
the mercy of the torpedo and dive bombers which followed.

The results of these and subsequent attacks has left the diving world an amazing legacy-the
greatest collection of shipwrecks in the world.

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FUJIKAWA MARU

A 443 ft. Steamship, Built: 1938, 6,938 tons the passenger cargo ship was converted into an aircraft
tra nsport ship, and lies upright in 30 mtrs of water. the trip to Truk is worth it for this wreck alone!
The wreck has everything-and has often been voted as one of the best wreck dives in the world.

The signature wreck of Truk Lagoon-a wreck which has everything from stunning coral life,
fascinating engine room and the added bonus of a unique cargo- Zero fighters! The most popular
wreck in Truk Lagoon, It takes several dives to appreciate the magnitude of this wreck. the engine
room is easily accessed and her holds contain an amazing assortment of artefacts-including 3 zero
fighters

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Even her kingpost and masts are a photographers delight. Large shoals of fish amass around
her bow and stern which both boast guns and telegraphs. The decks and superstructure are
smothered in huge carpet anemones with their resident clown fish. Depths range from 8 to 30
mtrs. Lies south of Etan

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IJN FUMITSUKI
320FT, 1,900 TON,destroyer

Not all the wrecks in Truk are merchant ships. This destroyer Fumitsuki (or Fumitzuki) was built in
1925 and launched 16th February 1926. She was capable of 37 knots but under fully loaded
conditions could reach 33.5 knots.The Fumitsuki was transferred to Truk from Rabaul in 1944 to
allows repairs to be completed, At the time of the attack she was anchored close to the Hoyo Maru
awaiting repairs. despite evasive manoeuvres, she was hit by a single bomb eventually sank.

The Fumitsuki lies in about 38-40m of water with the deck at about 33m, and a small list to port. It is
evident from her size she was sleek and fast. The bow section is twisted over and the bridge
/wheelhouse is almost upside down. The radio tripod is covered in soft corals as are the davits..

One of the more impressive features is the torpedo launchers. They hold 3 torpedoes and are fired
from a swivel mounted launcher .She is covered in large fan corals and eagle rays patrol the
perimeter. Her sleek lines are unmistakable .A superb deeper and exciting dive, which requires
decompression to get the most out of the dive..

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GOSEI MARU

A smaller vessel at 272 ft,1931 tons, a costal cargo vessel, Lying bow down, with her stern just
below the surface, his wreck make a great second or third dive. Huge torpedoes lie in her forward
holds with the masts reaching out, still in place. He raised fo’c’sle is accessible and lies in 27 mtrs of
water. The main superstructure has collapsed due to the attitude of the wreck and bomb damage,
but it is her engine room which holds the greater interest. She’s an old vessel-born out by her triple
expansion engine which is uncased and its easy to see her big ends conrods and reversing gears as
well as the pressure chambers

Her prop and rudder are covered in vast coral growth and many reef fishes thrive here. The hull has
many hard coral blocks and these have their own population of fish.

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HEIAN MARU

.
With a Length of : 155 metres ,and: 11,616 tons, she is the largest wreck in Truk Lagoon.
Built: Osaka Iron Works, 19th of June, 1929
This ship was a passenger and cargo liner, designed for luxury service between Yokohama
and Seattle, which was converted into a submarine depot ship. The Heian Maru was sunk by
a Grumman TBF "Avenger" with a torpedo in the raid on Truk in February 1944.She lies in
the old submarine anchorage. Long Lance torpedoes can be found. Periscopes lie in two
companionways on levels below & aft of the bridge..

The wreck is massive-her port to starboard companion way can only be likened to diving
down the lift shaft of a sky scraper .It would take weeks to fully explore this vessel .Her

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engine room is vast and easy to explore with a good torch. One impressive sight-and there are
many is the huge hole created by the torpedo. Her upper side lies in only 12 mtrs and her
name is embossed into the hull in both Japanese and English. One hold is completely filled
with crates of beer and as you swim through the cavernous holds you can’t help but feel a
sense of awe at such a huge vessel. The sup erstructure highlight is her bridge and even at
right angles the telegraphs are unmistakable.

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HOKI MARU

A huge 450ft, 700ton, built in New Zealand. Her aft holds contain heavy plant equipment,
destined for airfield construction and include bull dozers and a steam roller Forward of the
huge devastation the bow and fo’c’sle lie intact. The upper sections of the upright stern are
covered in sup erb corals. A pair of eagle rays frequent the wreck, providing an impressive fly
by. Today only the aft section remains, testimony to the devastating explosion. Lies to the
southwest of Dublon, with a cluster of other wrecks sitting in the forth fleet anchorage when
the attack began.

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KENSHU MARU

A 384 ft,4860 ton passenger cargo ship, sunk by torpedo amidships. This is a beautiful
shipwreck. It sits upright on the seabed with all her kingposts standing proudly upright
covered in an amazing variety of life. Steering room is a must- hole in stern allows for easy
access/ exit. Superb swim throughs of the accommodation block at deck level, with additional
access points into her amazing engine room. She is a typical 5 hold freighter, and like many
other wrecks demands several dives to even get a feel for the wreck. Lies west of Dublon
Island .

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KIYOSUMI MARU

A 450 ft, 8600 ton passenger cargo ship built in 1934.Converted to an

armed auxiliary cruiser. a huge wreck lying on its side, with impressive masts and kingposts
running there full length horizontally and covered in huge coral trees and swarms of reef
fishes.5 flights of stairs in her 2 x3 cylinder in line engines can be found olds are huge but
empty, Huge bomb blast in forward hold, starboard side (upper) is adorned with huge coral
trees Lies between Fetan and Dublon.

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For over 20 years we have been successfully organizing and leading

photographic and shipwreck safaris around the world, using the
very best livaboards and dive centres. Our destinations include:

Palau Truk Lagoon Maldives Egypt Sudan

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NIPPO MARU

Length: 107,5 metres,Built: 16 september 1936, Tonnage: 3,763 ts, water carrier.
The Nippo lies on a sand bottom in 48 metres of water, lying in an east-west direction with
the bow slightly shallower than the stern and having a slight list to port. The wreck is
basically intact, with only slight damage to the bridge area and stern visible.

One of the deeper wrecks, the blue waters add to the excitement and eagle rays patrol the wreck.
When you add to the superb condition of the wreck the artefacts and cargo, you have before you
one of the worlds greatest wrecks. On the deck there are howitzers and a Type 97 tank.Her five
holds are packed full with ammunition and armaments of all kinds. Hemispherical mines, cannon
barrels, gun mounts for shore batteries, machine guns, gas masks, and small arms ammunition of all
kinds lie scattered all around this wreck. The bridge is almost intact with its ships compass and
engine telegraphs, quite an eerie sight. Near number 4 hold are three field howitzers still mounted
on their wheeled carriages. Lies to the west of Dublon.

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UNKAI MARU

331 FT LONG,3220 EX British steamer..Sits upright and almost intact. The raised foc’s’le
has an impassive bow gun. With all the wood either rotted or burned away the skeletal frame
work allows for easy penetration. Her tall funnel now flanks the engine room-and this is
perhaps the highlight of the dive-.There are lamp rooms and all the valves, wheels and
working areas they were when she was afloat-4 floors to explore. The stern too is a delight,
with an intricate steering quadrant housed under the weather deck, Corals abound and the
ascent up an mast is a dive in its own right. The main superstructure (Venus). Situated north
east of Uman

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RIO DE JANERO MARU

460FT long 8 deck passenger ship of 9,626 tons

.

The forth biggest wreck in Truk this huge 8 deck passenger ship lies on her side, Her fore and aft
guns are still in place, but it is her engine room that sets the pulse racing,. Swimming into her
interior, 5 floors in less than 25 mtrs is quite an experience if a little disorientating. Rio de Janeiro
Maru sits at a maximum depth of about 34 metres, with the ship lying on its starboard side. Because
of her location the visibility is “less sparkling” than elsewhere. She is covered in “weed” more than
coral and can be a “gloomy” wreck. Huge props stern telegraphs massive bridge and bow gun all add
to the interest. Lies west of Uman

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SANKISAN MARU

370 ft, 4776 ton army cargo ship, captured by the Japanese. Only the for-section of this ship
remains-aft of the bridge was destroyed by a massive explosion, and a tangles mass of metal
lies strewn down to 25 mtrs. There is still much to see in the holds and on the deck-thousands
of small medicine bottles, liberated from the long gone wooden crates lie scattered in one
hold while a similar carpet of bullets lie elsewhere. On Deck there are skeletal remains of a
couple of trucks, and the fo’c’sle is accessible and interesting. M uch of the upright section of
the wreck is festooned in a lush assortment of soft corals boasting a multitude of colours Lies
of the west side of Uman Island.

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SAN FRANSISCO MARU

An old style, 380 ft steamship, built in 1919, 5,831 tons. Sits upright in gin clear water-rated
by many as the best dive in Truk-and who can argue? Its A Rosalie Moller on steroids From
her impressive bow gun through her holds to the cruiser stern, she is an absolute delight! The
small tanks sit on her deck and there are numerous trucks in the aft holds. The engine room
too, is deep but not only atmospheric but totally intact.

M any artifacts remain in the bridge area..This is a wreck full of character and atmosp here.
She is an old tramp ship-steam engine driven and is always a favourite with wreck buffs.
Again like the Nippo she is deeper and the water always appears blue and clear-
Decompression is a must-as are repeat dives!. Lies noth of Tonowas.

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SHINKOKO MARU

The second largest wreck in Truk. The Shinkoku M aru was built in 1940 by Kawashi Jyuko
Co. of Kobe for Kobe Sanbashi K.K. (Kobe Pier Co. Ltd). It was 150 metres long and 20
metres wide and was requisitioned by the Japanese Navy in 1941, four weeks before Pearl
Harbour.

This is in my opinion the greatest shipwreck in the world!.It h as everything diver could wish
for ;Depths range from 35 mtrs to 11,She is totally covered in incredible marine life, , bold
upright bathed in light, and offers some of the most rewarding internal exploration of any
wreck. It can be a 1st 2nd or 3rd dive of the day-and an 80 minute dive is not un common .Her

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engine room , bridge and accommodation areas beckon the diver back for another look-She is
worthy of a book in her own right!

Even a tour of the pipe bridges is a dive alone and her pump rooms are an exciting dive into
her very bowls. The entrance to the engine room- via the torpedo hole is memorable
experience and an entire dive can be sp ent in here alone. Its a wreck you never tire off. The
stunning electric blue antheas dance around the corals inviting the photographer to take yet
another shot of this stunning world. Lies in open water north west of Fetan

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YAMAGARI MARU

One of the key wrecks in Truk Lagoon.439ft, 6438 ton passenger cargo ship, built in 1939.
She was the depot ship for the IJN YAMATO, one of two giant battleships based in Truk
before the attack. Hu ge shells still remain inside the wreck, which lies on its side. A huge
hole in the hull is testimony to the bombs which sent her to the bottom. Her massive engine
room is a must. Swimming “down” through 5 floors without getting any deeper can be quite
dis-orienting, while the whole exterior of her upper (starboard side) is a living reef. Nice stern
telegraph. Lies to the north of Fetan. M ax depth 32 mtrs (seabed)

Her masts still in place run out horizontally to their full length and a re a dive alone in their
own right-covered in life, they are literally coral reefs.

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KAWANISHII H8K2 “Emily” Flying boat |

Length: 28,1 metres,Built: after August 1941,Weight: 34.000 lb

The wreck of the Kawanishi H8K1 “Emily” flying boat lies upside down at a depth of 16 metres. With
wing span of 38 metres and a length of 28 metres. She was a large aircraft, but is never the less a
small wreck ,but this does not prevent a great dive –especially with a camera-check out the engines
floats, cockpit and colourfull interieor as well as the encrusted wing sections. Makes a great 3 rd
dive..

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BETTY BOMBER

The M itsubishi G4M Type 1 land-based attack aircraft was the main twin-engine, land-based
bomber used by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service in World War II. The Allies gave the
G4M the reporting name of Betty. The Allies usually gave Japanese fighters and floatp lanes
"male" names, while giving "female" names to bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. These
did not come into general use until mid-1943.

The G4M had a range of over 3,700 miles achieved by structural lightness and an almost total
disregard for armor protection. This proved to be its weakness when Allied opposition
increased in the later stages of World War II

Lying close to Etan Island airstrip, this wreck is fairly intact save for her broken off nose and
tail fin, and her engines, which lie forward of the wreckage, presumable the inertia of the
crash forced them off their mountings .

This is a great third dive and something slightly different-small groups are better and we
usually split the group and ½ tank this with the Emily-two dives for the price of one! Great
photo opportunities, lies in 14 mtrs of water and attarcts nice shoaling fish.

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Shark Dives

Its fair to say that Truk is not regarded as a shark location, but on our recent trips we have
found two excellent sites not far from our base. In both cases we didn’t have long to wait for
the action to begin. It was almost instantaneous! Shark Reef is a submerged coral mount
surrounded by sand with a sloping sea bed to 20 mtrs. The more photogenic is Shark Island-a
tiny sandy island covered in trees. Grey reef and black tip reef sharks are common at both
sites and become very inquisitive as the dive progresses. Shark Island is an adrenaline rush.

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In February 2011 we were surrounded by 20 + sharks and a dozen tuna. A the base of the
island a coral block rises up and greys come in to get cleaned. Close to shore we witnessed a
huge bait ball from 5mtrs to the surface, with sharks, Tuna and Travelly sweeping in through
the clouds of fish.hese dives make a nice alternative during an intense wreck programme.

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OTHER FREE EBOOKS TO DOWN LOAD

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THE TILE WRECK ;HER TRUE STORY

EGYPTIAN SHIPWRECKS –A PREVIEW

SUEZ SHIPWRECKS

THE RUSSIAN SPY SHIP

THISTLEGORM REVEALED

SHIPWRECKS OF THE M ALDIVES

MALTA WRECKS

SHIPWRECKS OF THE PACIFIC

100 dives before you die (WIP)

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