The Amagisan Maru was originally built as a cargo/passenger ship serving the Japan-New York Line in 1933. The Japanese Navy took her over in 1943 for use as a special transport. In February 1942, she was torpedoed by US Bombers. During the Truk attack she was sunk by an aerial torpedo while carrying aviation fuel and diesel oil drums in her holds. Some of this fuel still leaks to the surface from time to time.
The ship is one of the largest wrecks in the lagoon. Her most interesting features include a photogenic bow gun, torpedo holes and “staff cars” in hold No. 2, a tank truck on the sea floor, mine sweeping paravanes on deck, and a matching stern gun deep at stern.
Amagisan Maru hit by torpedo
Displacement: 7,621 tons; Length: 138m (450 feet) Beam: 18m (69 feet) Engine: 1 diesel; Max Speed: 18.8 kts. Launched: 6 NOV 1933. Crew: 48.
The dive
I scanned the wreck on Feb. 21st 2025 during one dive.
The water depth is 60m (200ft) and the deck structure lies at 36m (12ft)
