The Nagano Maru was built in 1917 as a freighter. In the fall of 1937.Sho got under control of the Army in 1942.
During the “Hailstone” attack in Feb. 1944, she was attacked by US Bombers. Several near misses severely damaged the vessel and fragments from one bomb killed her Captain. The sinking vessel was finally abandoned and sank on the first day of the operation. Nagano Maru now rests upright at a maximum depth of 220 fsw.
Nagano Maru
Displacement: 3,810 tons
Length: 105m (345 feet)
Beam: 15m (50 feet)
Engine: 1 coal driven steam turbine
Max Speed: 14.3 kts.
Launched: 25 APR 1917
Water depth: 66m (starting at 42m)
The dive
I scanned the wreck on Feb. 20th 2025 during one deep dive.
My maximum depth on the dive was 59m. The ship is upright with a 20° port list. I saw a Nissan 2×4 truck with glass windows still intact. Sitting on the port side facing the stern, the truck is parked as if you could hop in and drive it away. The frame of another truck sits on its side, with a bulldozer and other machinery.
