PATROL BOAT NO. 34 (ex-Destrover. ex-Sutsuki) was built in 1919, but retrofitted in 1939 for Patrol Boat use. Retrofitting of aft and later enabled her to carry a pair of landing craft. In March, 1943 she collided with Japanese Destroyer Yakaze near New Guinea, and had to be towed to Truk for repairs. However, she was not sunk during Operation Hailstone, but was done in under mysterious circumstances on July 3rd 1944 instead.
Length: Approx 300* (91m)
935-ton Patrol boat
American bombs dropped from high altitude destroyed this boat, but the guns were subsequently brought ashore, since she sank sticking out of the water. Snorkelers explore this rusting hulk, while scuba divers check out he propellers, rudder, troop quarters and engine room at the stern.
The dive
I scanned the wreck on Feb. 22nd 2025 during one dive.
