We’ve said it before and we are saying it again! Truk Lagoon is really a paradise playground for all divers, both technical and recreational.
Here are just a few of the wrecks above 40m that make up the fleet of 50+ wrecks in Truk Lagoon that are perfect for both recreational diving and tech too!
1. The Betty Bomber
At 18m on the seabed the Betty B is a relatively intact Japanese bomber. Although the two engines are located a short swim away from the main wreck itself the surrounding area of the plane is littered with artefacts from inside the aircraft including the radio, machine guns, and a toilet. It is even possible to enter (if certified) the fuselage and swim all the way through the wreck.
2. Rio De Janeiro Maru
The average depth of the Rio De Janeiro Maru is 23m. The ship was a large eight-deck liner that was converted into a submarine tender in the early part of the war, before being converted a second time into a special transport vessel. Her rear holds have burst with hundreds of beer bottles, some still in their cases. The stern of the Rio has an impressive gun set on a large platform, docking telegraph and two photogenic propellers set between a single rudder.
3. Yamagiri Maru
A popular wreck with divers, the Yamagiri is famous for the huge gun shells that are found in one of her holds along with a steamroller and other construction equipment. You can check out the huge gun shells in the holds of the Yamagiri Maru. The engine room, main superstructure, and forward holds all offer plenty of interesting areas for exploration.
4. Nippo Maru
An all time favourite is the Nippo Maru that has an average depth of 30m and has the probably the best bridge in the lagoon with the ship’s telegraph and steering binnacle still in remarkable condition. Scattered over the wreck is a small Japanese battle tank, the remains of trucks and twin-barrelled anti-aircraft guns. Down in the holds are various types of ammunition, range finders, mess gear, beer bottles and water tanks. The spectacular engine room is widely believed to be the first point of contact by enemy torpedoes in Operation Hailstone.
5. Shinkoku Maru
Thinking you need a good coral fix while you are there? Then the Shinkoku Maru is a must dive and with an average depth of 25m, this has it all. Boasting amazing coral growth and lots of interesting marine life, this is a real stand-out wreck dive in Truk Lagoon. The large engine room is accessible through a torpedo hole on the port side and both bow and stern guns are intact and heavily encrusted with life. There is lots of accessible penetrations for those who are trained and comfortable with entering the superstructure. Inside you can pay a visit to the sickbay that is still complete with operating table and tools. Elsewhere there are accommodation spaces with tiled baths, a galley, and lots of refuelling hoses. There are three telegraphs in the remains of the bridge and piles of artefacts scattered around the decks. Shinkoku Maru is widely considered to be one of the best night dives on the planet.
What do you think? Want to join us on our recreational expedition in January 2022 with Andy Torbet? Email us HERE
