One of the deeper Wracks at Truk Lagoon: Nippo Maru.
She was discovered in 1980.
The Nippo Maru was a medium-sized freighter, measuring approximately three hundred and fifty feet in length with a fifty-foot beam. Constructed by the Kawasaki Dockyard, it was launched in September 1936.
On February 16, 1945, while on one of these routes, the ship was bombed and torpedoed, ultimately sinking in 160 feet (50m) of water. It now rests upright but lists heavily to port, with its stern partially buried in a sloping reef. The Nippo Maru is frequently referred to as the “million dollar wreck” because its five holds are packed with various types of ammunition and armaments. Scattered around the wreck are hemispherical mines, cannon barrels, gun mounts for coastal batteries, machine guns, gas masks, bronze rangefinders, and small arms ammunition. The bridge remains nearly intact, featuring the ship’s compass and engine telegraphs. Although many wrecks we dived had similar instruments on their bridges, experiencing these artifacts in their original setting was still exhilarating.
The tank
Close to hold number four, three field howitzers remain mounted on their wheeled carriages, offering a remarkable sight. However, the most impressive aspect of the Nippo Maru is what has made it famous: a tank. That’s right, a tank positioned on the main deck near hold number two, resting at a depth of about 130 feet. This tank is a Type 95 Ha-Go or Ke-Go, manufactured by Mitsubishi, weighing approximately seven and a half tons. It was powered by a 120-horsepower diesel engine and had a crew of three. The sight of the tank is spectacular, and as you ascend towards the dive boat, you can view the entire wreck laid out before you, all the while keeping your gaze on the tank until it gradually disappears from sight.
The dive
The masts start at 21m water depth an the maximum depth is about 50m. I scanned the wreck on Feb. 16th 2025 during one dive.
