From the earliest diving history, and long before wrecks were found in Micronesia, sunken vessels have intrigued the curiosity of scuba divers. Factor in World War II relics still awaiting discovery and being surrounded by the world’s largest lagoon, and you’ve got quite possibly the most exciting place to wreck dive in the world: Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon.
Located in warm, tropical waters that are unfrequented by hordes of tourists, Chuuk’s “sea of shipwrecks” is accessible by a very short boat ride from the island’s shores. And just like the layout of Micronesia itself, with hundreds of scattered islands, the wreck dives of Chuuk are also numerous and scattered. Now serving as artificial reefs on their outer layers, the ships offer divers panoramic views of soft, colorful corals and myriad varieties of sea life that make ideal settings for underwater photography. And, on the inside of many wrecks, history buffs will easily visualize these huge ships in full force, as several vessels have engine rooms and other features that are in-tact and easy to see in the high-visibility waters of Micronesia.
Amidst the great beauty, brightness, and awe of the Chuuk / Truk Lagoon wreck dives, there are ample dark reminders of what really lies beneath the surface: watery war graves. At a closer glance, the mementos of World War II aren’t all as pleasantly nostalgic as one might hope–there are dangerous substances like aviation fuel, oil, gasoline and acid present at several sites. Some of the explosives, mines, munitions, detonators, torpedoes and shells are still “live,” and divers are required to resist the temptation to tamper with what are such fragile parts of world history. In order to preserve these wrecks as reminders of our past–and sustain them for future visitors and the people of Chuuk–strict policies exist that restrict touching or removal of any artifacts or marine life from the wrecks.
Ultimately, every diver will experience a range of emotions from curiosity to intrigue, awe and inspiration, and fear and reconciliation when visiting a sunken vessel in Micronesian waters. The wreck diving at Chuuk is an entire vacation experience in itself, and to truly gain a sense of history and its effects on present-day ecosystems, divers are encouraged to take a multi-day excursion to dive the Chuuk wreck sites exclusively. And if spending time in an underwater war grave doesn’t get your adrenaline pumping, perhaps the half dozen species of sharks and numerous big fishes (that have been recorded as bumping into cameramen) might get your heart to race a little faster. Let’s take a closer look at some of the wrecks Truk Lagoon is famous for!
The Wrecks Of Chuuk Lagoon
Fujikawa Maru
Accessible from the surface downward to 120 feet (36 m), the Fujikawa Maru is known as a “must dive” in Chuuk. Rainbow colored corals abound on the 439-foot (134 m) wreck, and blanket the bow with fans and sea anemones. The holds house a water tank, ammunition for the bow gun, propellers, and other interesting airplane parts.
Suzuki Destroyer
With its bow coming within 10 feet (3m) of the surface, the Suzuki Destroyer wreck in Chuuk is excellent for snorkelers or beginning divers. Fascinating items such as gas masks are still visible on the deck, and the sponge growth is intriguing.
Shinkoku Maru
One of Chuuk's most beautiful wrecks, the 500 foot-long Shinkoku was a large oil tanker that now rests upright on an even keel, starting at depths of 30 feet (10 meters) and continuing to depths of 130 feet (~50 meters). The bow gun and most exposed structures are overgrown with luxurious corals, hydroids and sponges, all of it swirling with thousands of fish. When exploring the bridge, divers can admire the encrusted engine telegraph and helm where the engine room is in excellent condition. The galley still contains an interesting assortment of dishes, utensils and a large stove.
Heian Maru
The massive Heian Maru, which was originally utilized as a submarine tender, is the largest ship in the Chuuk Lagoon, measuring in at 510 feet (155 m). The ship’s small aft hold still contains ammunition. A small collection of teacups and plates is viewable in the galley. Dive depths range from 35-100 feet (10-30 m).
Yamagiri Maru
Due to repeated air strikes prior to its sinking, this long, 437-foot freighter now rests on its port side. The Yamagiri Maru, resting at depths of 60-120 feet (18-36 m), contains a variety of artifacts, including massive 18-inch artillery shells.
Nippo Maru
Very much intact, this 353-foot cargo ship is easy to explore with a photogenic bridge, picturesque wheelhouse, and a full battery of artillery guns. The Nippo Maru in Chuuk is accessed at depths of 50-150 feet (15-45 m).
Sankisan Maru
The Sankisan sunk with a devastating explosion–however, the remains make for an excellent dive for snorkeling or scuba diving in Chuuk. The coral is beautiful on this 200-foot (61 m) shipwreck, and there is still machine gun ammunition and other war relics visible from depths of 0-100 feet (0-30 m).
Hoki Maru
The 250-foot Hoki Maru in Chuuk has a majorly damaged bow, but the masts and superstructure are engulfed by crimson red sponges, making it a spectacular dive at depths between 45-150 feet (14-45 m).
San Francisco Maru
A deep dive–beginning at 100 feet (30 m) and plunging to depths of 200 feet (61 m)–the San Francisco is a wreck that gives off a feeling of mystery. The forward hold contains mines, bombs, ammunition, and there are also two trucks to view on this 375-foot long ship (115 m).
More Shipwrecks in Chuuk Lagoon for Divers to Explore
Rio de Janiero Maru - Large engine room and great views of propellers on this massive ship. Length of ship: 461 feet (140 m). Dive Depths: 40 feet - 120 feet (12-35 m).
Unkai Maru - Nice coral growth, great view of bow gun. Length of ship: 360 feet (110 m). Dive Depths: 30 feet -130 feet (10-40 m).
Fumitzuki Destroyer - Intriguing weaponry such as torpedo launcher and guns on both bow and stern. Length of Ship: 320 feet (98 m). Dive Depths: 80 feet - 120 feet (25-61 m).
Hanakawa Maru - Diverse hard and soft coral growth at wreck site. Length of ship: 363 feet (110 m). Dive Depths: (3-30 m).
Momokawa Maru - Nice dive to observe truck frames, aircraft parts, and artillery shells. Length of Ship: 380 feet (115 m). 80 feet -150 feet (25-45 m).
Shinkoku Maru Aikoku Maru - Bow is loosely intact only, but nice view of stern gun. Length of Ship: 270 feet (82 m). Dive Depths: 100 feet -200 feet (30-61 m).
Betty Bomber - Divers get to glimpse a small Japanese bomber with twin engines. Length of ship: 60 feet (18 m). Dive Depths: 50 feet - 60 feet (15-18 m).