Heian Maru

In 1930, at a cost of $15,000,000, the Heian Maru was the third ship built for the North Pacific passenger/cargo service between Yokohama and Seattle. Converted to a Sub Tender in Aug 1941, the ship was a tender to 12 submarines and was based in Kwajalein. The Heian was anchored Northwest of Dublon Island, between Dublon and Weno Islands, with the hospital ship Hikawa Maru (her sister ship) and a cargo ship, when the attaches begun. Dive bombers from the USS Yorktown CV10 reported attacking the Heian and hitting her in the bow causing a fire. Later 2 Curtis Helldivers attacked dropping 2 x 1,000 and 1 x 1,600lbs bombs - all of which missed.

On the 17th dive bombers attached the still burning Heian scoring two hits aft and a near miss. About 2 hours later torpedo bombers scored two near misses to the starboard bow breaking off sections of the superstructure. The final attack on the Heian was made by Grumman Avenger Torpedo Bombers who scored direct hits. The Heian sunk on 17th February at 3.05pm killing two and wounding 28.

The wreck now lies in 12 to 36 meters of water at N7 22.956 E151 51.335

The pictures Shane and I took didn't come out that well on the last day. All photos and illustrations here are freely available on the 'Net.

Yamagiri Maru

Built in 1938 by Mitsubishi Jukogyo K.K., Yokohama, The Yamagiri Maru was a 6,438 ton passenger and cargo vessel.

Lying now on the sand on her port side at N7 23.021 E151 49.299, the Yamagiri Maru has 6 holds which were carrying 14in battleship artillery shells and a steamroller when she was sunk during the second day of Operation Hailstorm. Lying in 34 meters of water off the northern tip of Fefan Island, she is an easy dive with the bridge and holds very accessible.

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