The IJN Futagami was a Hashima Fleet Class salvage tug built for the Imperial Japanese Navy and launched 1939. The vessel was equipped with two 2-ton and one 5-ton salvage derricks. She was fitted with de-watering salvage pumps and many hoses still stored in aft hold.
The Futagami was undamaged during the war, to be left anchored but unattended in channel west of Dublon. Little information is known of her eventual sinking, whether by vandals or inattentions.
IJN FUTAGAMI HASHIMA CLASS FLEET SALVAGE TUG
Displacement: 625 tons
Length: 43m (131 feet)
Beam 10m (32 feet)
Engine: 2 coal/heavy oil fired reciprocating engines, 2 shafts
Max Speed: 14.5 kts.
Mission: Salvage. Armament
2-25 MM anti-aircraft guns; depth charges. Crew: 59. Launched: 1939.
The dive
The wreck starts in shallow 30ft water at the stern and descends to 100 fsw at the bow, and is lying at about a 45 deg list to port. Many interesting artifacts are found aboard including an undamaged engine room with great photo opportunities of gauges, valves, and controls.
Visibility in the channel is often limited to about 20-30 ft and then good at other times.
