The Hoyo Maru was a Japanese oil tanker that met its fate during Operation Hailstone in 1944, a major U.S. Navy assault on the Japanese fleet anchored in Truk Lagoon. The attack resulted in the sinking of numerous vessels, including the Hoyo Maru, which now rests at a depth of 12 to 24 meters (40 to 80 feet). Unlike many other wrecks in Truk Lagoon, the Hoyo Maru is notable for its unique upside-down position, providing divers with an unusual perspective when exploring its structure.
While the Hoyo Maru was primarily an oil tanker, much of its internal structure and cargo have been preserved, creating an eerie underwater landscape where history and nature intertwine. The wreck has become a thriving artificial reef, with soft corals, sponges, and schools of reef fish making it their home.
Length: 143m (469ft)
Water depth: 38m
The dive
I scanned the wreck on Feb. 25tzh 2025 during one dive. The wreck looks rather like a coral reef than a wreck. The visibility was quite poor and scanning the wreck was quite difficult.
