Ship graveyard in truk lagoon, stunning pictures and informative article on the ghost fleet of chuuk. Worlds biggest ship graveyard lies at site of battle where us crushed japanese fleet in the second world war truk lagoon was japans main base in the south pacific, but in american forces launched an attack and over a two day bombardment more than 60 warships ended up on the floor of the lagoon. All ships, vessels and aircraft, and any and all parts thereof and all other objects, including nonmilitary items, which formerly belonged to or were part of the armed forces of japan and were sunk to or otherwise deposited in the chuuk truk lagoon prior to december 31, 1945 shall be, and hereby are, designated as state district monuments, which shall be collectively called the chuuk truk. The fleet was first brought to the worlds attention in 1969 when jacques cousteau and the calypso team explored the lagoon and its wrecks, producing the tv documentary. Although unknown to many people today, for a few days in 1944, the lagoon was the sight of one of the most intense and destructive battles in history. Apartments are one bedroom, fully furnished units with kitchenette. Divers come to chuuk lagoon to explore one of the greatest concentrations of shipwrecks on earth, including the fabled san francisco maru. Navys 1944 operation hailstone, more than 60 wrecks are scattered over 77 square miles 199 square km in chuuk lagoon, where divers will also see tanks, aircraft and trucks. Dive site depth range and suggested diving expertise. Riddled with torpedo holes, the ships have released some of their contents. The truk stop hotel rooms include apartments, suites, plus deluxe ocean view and standard rooms. Worlds biggest ship graveyard lies at site of ww2 battle where us crushed japanese fleet.
Article on sinking of japanese ships in truk lagoon in feb 44 and on use of. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. Scuba diving in the trukchuuk lagoon is a fabulous diving experience amongst a lush green set of islands in the pacific ocean, and offers some of the best wreck diving in micronesia. The wrecks of truk lagoon now called chuuk have continued to attract divers ever since. About 1,800 kilometres northeast of new guinea, it is located midocean at 7 degrees north latitude, is part of chuuk state within the federated states of micronesia. Skimming across mirrorsmooth waters, our guide, rob, prefaces our baptism by saying that few divers emerge from this graveyard of the pacific unmoved, that the verdant island archipelago above the waterline cradles something sacrosanct beneath. The american bombardment left dozens of ships, hundreds of aircraft, and uncountable numbers of smaller equipment for example trucks. The graveyard book neil gaimon 5 chapter one how nobody came to the graveyard t here was a hand in the darkness, and it held a knife. From shipwrecks to sunken tanks to human remains, truk lagoon is among the biggest and eeriest underwater graveyards on earth. Operation hailstone 1718 february 1944, was a massive united states navy air and surface. What happened at true lagoon, happened back in 1944 during world war ii.
There are many wrecks to choose from and many are easily accessible to recreational divers as they lie in depths of 100ft 3040m. During world war ii, chuuk was the base of operations for the japanese military. About 1800 km northeast of new guinea, it is located midocean at 7 degrees north latitude, and is part of chuuk state within the federated states of micronesia. Dec 16, 2014 in the diving world, chuuk lagoon is considered the gold standard of wreck diving. Chuuk lagoon, the best liveaboard vacation for wreck divers. Truk, or chuuk lagoon is a group of beautiful tropical islands in micronesia. More than 100 vessels and aircraft still lie at the bottom of the shallow truk lagoon and many ships are aground on the reefs. Chuuk lagoon is a site that reflects either a victory for the u. The japanese wwii pacific shipwrecks by rod macdonald isbn. Chuuks recent history is bloody, tragic and infamous.
Here, more than 50 hulks have been transformed into ship reefs, holding the very best of the undersea world and maritime history at one site. At the same time, however, it is also a scene of tragedy. The fsm is also one of the least visited countries in the world those who have heard of chuuk before will know it because of the role it played in world war ii and, in particular, because of the wrecks that fill. This wreck is a mass grave, and no one survived the immense explosion from.
Ship graveyard in truk lagoon, stunning pictures and informative article on the ghost fleet of chuuk airplane wrecks in truk lagoon, next to dozens of japanese vessels also japanese airplane wrecks can be found in. Pdf this study sought to gain an insight into the sociodemographic characteristics, motivations, and attitudes of divers to chuuk lagoon federated. The visibility ranges from 40100ft 1230m so at times, you might have a stunning view of entire wrecks. The most famous of all the shipwrecks in chuuk lagoon, the san francisco maru sits completely upright with a bow gun, tanks, mines and even trucks still fully intact. The peaceful waters of this blue lagoon have a secret inside them a graveyard of old. The wrecks sit in between five and 60 metres of water and some of the larger vessels are up to 155m long. A crm approach in investigating the submerged world war ii sites in chuuk lagoon pdf. Chuuk, formerly known as truk, is one of four island states that make up the federated states of micronesia fsm, a country in the north pacific that is part of the mariana islands.
As a result of operation hailstone, chuuk lagoon is the worlds largest ship graveyard, with the wrecked japanese fleet now known as the ghost fleet of truk lagoon. Truk is best known for its worldclass wreck diving and with over 60 wrecks, from supply vessels maru to planes and a submarine, tightly packed into a coral reef lagoon. Mar 21, 2015 chuuk lagoon is a site that reflects either a victory for the u. A survey of iron shipwrecks and aluminum aircraft, unpublished report perth. The lagoon was first built up to house the ijns 4th fleet, its south seas force. After our arrival in micronesia, on the dive shops schedule sheet we were asked our names, where wed been certified, our total number of dives, and their greatest depths. Liveaboard dive vacations to chuuk, sometimes known as truk lagoon, can offer a host of sub aquatic secrets, from shipwrecks to actual human remains, all of which have been lying in these lagoons since the second world war. From the shipwreck graveyard of chuuk lagoon to pohnpeis remote atolls and. The perfect micronesian diving trip begins in chuuk onboard the incomparable odyssey liveaboard. Chuuk lagoon diving, quite simply, is the best wreck diving in the world. Lonely planet diving and snorkeling chuuk lagoon, pohnpei and. Take in the waters battle sites of world war ii history with all the dive options trukchuuk lagoon scuba diving has to offer.
Chuuk, with its vast, shallow, beautiful lagoon is a mecca for wreck divers. Truk stop hotel official website, chuuk, micronesia. Apr 21, 2017 chuuk lagoon is the largest military underwater graveyard in the world social links. Riddled with torpedo holes, the ships have released some of. Chuuk was one of the japanese empires largest military bases during the second world war. The photographer and filmmaker recently returned to one of the most storied locations for wreck divers, chuuk lagoon in micronesia. List of all shipwrecks in truk lagoon argunners magazine. Lonely planet diving and snorkeling chuuk lagoon, pohnpei.
During wwii, the japanese fleet used truk as one of their main staging points for attacks on the allied forces but in 1944 the. From the shipwreck graveyard of chuuk lagoon to pohnpeis remote atolls and kosraes pristine reefs, this guide coves 64 of the areas best dive sites, with fullcolour photos throughout. Built of steel, my truk master is the newest liveaboard yacht to ply the waters of this lagoon, welcoming aboard 16 guests for 7 or 10 night truk lagoon dive safaris, whilst on the bikini itineraries availability is limited as my truk master carries 12 divers only. They fortified the island with bunkers and armaments that still litter the island. The islands of chuuk are nearly 6,000 miles 9,600 km southwest of the united states, lying just above the equator. Feb 17, 2017 the most famous of all the shipwrecks in chuuk lagoon, the san francisco maru sits completely upright with a bow gun, tanks, mines and even trucks still fully intact. Dive tours in chuuk truk lagoon with up to 4 dives a day you will have the opportunity to take in a variety of options for your dive. The worlds largest ship graveyard is the product of decades of corruption. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading dive truk lagoon. Jim shepard dives to the world war ii battleground at. Haunting underwater world war ii artefacts from ship graveyard captured by british photographer the haunting images, captured by photographer super jolly, show the wartime artefacts that lie beneath the surface of chuuk lagoon in the central pacific. The most recognised place of this archipelago is truk lagoon.
Having been in the lagoon for more than 60 years, the. Chuuk lagoon, part of the caroline islands group, is known for being where the ghost fleet of truk lagoon lies. Chuuk lagoon is the largest military underwater graveyard in the world social links. We were part of a group on a dive holiday to truk lagoon and dived with blue lagoon dive shop. About airpano team articles guest book contact faq citation rules our clients. Ghostly japanese shipwrecks at the bottom of chuuk lagoon. The japanese wwii pacific shipwrecks kindle edition by macdonald, rod.
In chuuk lagoon lies a phantom japanese fleet, which the americans destroyed in two days in 1944. What happened at truk lagoon in 1944 the best chuuk. Operation hailstorm, february 16 1944, this surprise air raid attack on the japanese imperial navys fourth fleet left a graveyard of submarines, fuel tankers and cargo ships sunk by the us bombers. The graveyard lure of truk lagoon the new york times. There is a huge amount of variety in terms of the types of vessels you can dive, from fujikawa maru, an aircraft transport ship where you can see airplane cockpits. Jun 30, 2011 in chuuk lagoon lies a phantom japanese fleet, which the americans destroyed in two days in 1944. The deep, natural harbors also served well as the holding area for the japanese navy. Getting to chuuk chuuk formerly called truk or truk lagoon is one of four states which comprise the federated states of micronesia. On the morning of february 17, 1944 a united states navy air attack code named operation hailstone caught a fleet of japanese merchant vessels and warships by surprise in truk lagoon. Chuuk travel guide taste2travel a wreck divers paradise. Up until the 1990s, the lagoon was known at truk, but it is now called chuuk. Chuuk truk lagoon is filled with the remains of japanese.
At the end of this 36hour battle, around 53 japanese ships were sunk in truk lagoon, where around 48 of these wrecks are now dived. Truk lagoon, also known as chuuk is the graveyard to nearly 70 wrecks. Ship graveyard of truk lagoon, micronesia underwater. Since that event, which was a sort of vengeance for pearl harbour, ships, tanks, trucks and planes. Apr, 2018 the ghost fleet of chuuk lagoon the photographer and filmmaker recently returned to one of the most storied locations for wreck divers, chuuk lagoon in micronesia. In the diving world, chuuk lagoon is considered the gold standard of wreck diving. Chuuk lagoon, or truk as it used to be called, is a remote atoll in the central. See more ideas about underwater, diving and scuba diving. Like many divers, a pilgrimage to chuuk truk was renamed chuuk years ago but is still widely called truk lagoon and its famous world war ii shipwrecks was a long time in coming. It is easy to appreciate why divers travel to this area time and time again. An incredible airplane graveyard sits outside this small museum dedicated to preserving aviation history. Truk lagoon, a small part of micronesia located about 1,100 miles. The truk lagoon ocean floor holds an entire japanese fleet frozen in time, where it sank in february 1944. National park service public domain via wikimedia commons.
Chuuk, micronesia americas compact countries part 34. Chuuk lagoon, also known as truk lagoon, is a sheltered body of water in the central pacific. The following world war ii shipwrecks of truk lagoon list was created by the u. With so many islands, liveaboard diving is the best way to explore the federated states of micronesia. The best dive wrecks in chuuk lagoon once in a lifetime. Truk lagoon, now known as chuuk, is most certainly one of the worlds greatest wreck diving destinations. Chuuk lagoon is a sheltered body of water in the central pacific. Chuuk truk lagoon is filled with the remains of japanese world. The atoll consists of a protective reef, 225 kilometres 140 mi around, enclosing a natural harbour 79 by 50 kilometres 49 by 30 mi, with. Jul 24, 2015 like many divers, a pilgrimage to chuuk truk was renamed chuuk years ago but is still widely called truk lagoon and its famous world war ii shipwrecks was a long time in coming. The fleet was first brought to the worlds attention in 1969 when jacques cousteau and the calypso team explored the lagoon and its wrecks, producing the tv documentary lagoon of lost ships.
Chuuk lagoon also previously known as truk lagoon is a sheltered body of water in the central pacific. Jun 14, 2018 from shipwrecks to sunken tanks to human remains, truk lagoon is among the biggest and eeriest underwater graveyards on earth. Dive guide and boat boat were excellent, 14 dives a different wreck every dive, guide very knowledgeable on history of each wreck penetrations into engine rooms and cargo holds. Its one of chuuks deepest wrecks, with the deck at 140 feet 42 m and the hull at 210 feet 64 m. About 1,800 kilometres 1,100 miles northeast of new guinea, it is located midocean at 7 degrees north latitude, and is part of chuuk state within the federated states of micronesia.
Nov 23, 2016 the first stop on ideal micronesian diving trip. The best dive wrecks in chuuk lagoon luxury travel. The fleet was once stationed in truk lagoon, now known as chuuk, which was a major base of the japanese imperial navy in the south pacific. Chuuk lagoon project gutenberg selfpublishing ebooks. As the center stage of operation hailstone, the 1944 us attack on the japanese combined fleet that was stationed in chuuk lagoon, the waters of this peaceful nation are filled with the remnants of this deadly attack. To date, around 60 wrecks have been discovered, some of which we will visit. Diving in chuuk lagoon at our stage of accomplishment is a little like having completed a basic selfdefense class and then signing up for a mission with the navy seals. The atoll consists of a protective reef, 225 kilometres 140 mi around, enclosing a natural harbour 79 by.
Complete with sake cups and skeletons, jeeps and tanks tied on board, and fighter planes still waiting in their holds, the wrecks have been declared an underwater museum. This and further carrier attacks in late april for the most part ended. Ghost fleet of truk lagoon micronesia atlas obscura. These lush green islands with palm trees and calm blue waters make it almost impossible to fathom the immense battle that took place on february 17 and 18, 1944. Haunting underwater world war ii artefacts from ship graveyard in chuuk lagoon captured by british photographer by sophie jane evans published. The truk stop hotel is a padi resort offering great accommodations plus a full service dive center for both the recreational and technical diver. With 607 islands, the federated states of micronesia include healthy yet remote coral reefs, manta ray cleaning stations and the ghost fleet, a graveyard of japanese wwii ships in chuuk lagoon. A 77 mile squares set of islands this dive site is full of wwii wrecks to take in. Chuuks sunken vessels remain in the lagoon, comprising the worlds largest ship graveyard. Stephen frinkcorbiscorbis via getty images a scuba diver finds a human skull in truk lagoon.
Pdf diver characteristics, motivations, and attitudes. The knife had a handle of polished black bone, and a blade finer and sharper than any razor. Book 7 of in the lonely planet diving and snorkeling guides series. During operation hailstone, the americans attacked this japanese naval stronghold where the major part of their naval fleet were at anchor. After two days of travel, we are finally here chuuk aka truk, part of the federated states of micronesia and about to get wet. The consequences of this attack made truk lagoon the biggest graveyard of ships in the world. A major shipwreck site from wwii, truk lagoon is unquestionably the worlds best shipwreck diving destination.
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