Aikoku Maru

Aikoku Maru was launched in 1940. The Aikoku Maru was requestioned by the Japanese Navy on September 1, 1941. On 6 September, the Aikoku Maru and Hokoku Maru were chosen to form the "24 Sentai", which would translate to "Auxiliary (or Converted) Cruiser Squadron 24", and assigned to the Combined Fleet.

Sunk on the first day of Operation Hailstorm (at N7 22.387 E151 54.730), to the east of Dublon Island. The depth is approx 85 feet (25 meters) to the very top of the funnel.

Auxiliary Cruiser (XCL) Aikoku Maru with it's camouflaged colours at anchor in Singapore in 1942.

What's left of her now.

A plaque, self explanatory really.

My dive buddy Shane making his way out of a blast hole in the side of the ship.

Fujikawa Maru

6,398 tons when built in 1938, the Fujikawa Maru was built as a passenger and cargo carrier. She was converted for military action in 1940 to ferry armed aircraft and was fitted with 6" bow and stern guns. She was used all over the Pacific to deliver planes and aircraft parts to island parts through the Indo-China region.

Now lying on an even keel to 34 meters (at N7 20.690 E151 53.091), Fujikawa Maru was sunk on the 17th of Feb 1944, on the first day of Operation Hailstorm.

One of the features is the impressive bow gun, which is slightly raised and pointing a slightly to starboard.

However, the most interesting things are to be found in hold number 2; aircraft fuselage pieces, cockpits and wings and other assorted Zero fighter bits. There are also torpedoes, propellers, cables, papers, plates and assorted debris scattered all around.

Fujikawa Maru (centre) undamaged on the first day. Tonan Maru No.3 on fire (white smoke) in the background.

Was this mask ever used?

We also did a night dive on this vessel, but I did not take my camera for it.

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