Length 354ft Beam 50ft 3764tons
Coal powered Steam Turbine Driving a Single Prop
The Nippo Maru was built in 1936 as a five hold passenger-cargo ship, she was requisitioned in 1941 by the Japanese Navy as an auxiliary transporter. She was fitted out to carry water in container tanks. Her general mission was to supply water, ordinance and ammunition to naval forces in Mandated Islands.
In 1942 she was assigned with the 6th fleet base force at Jaluit, she made repeated trips between the island. On December 7th 1943 she left Kusiae for Ponaoe carrying army troops of the 52nd Division. The Nippo Maru arrived in Truk Lagoon on February 10 th 1944. On February 17th 1944 she was at anchor at the 4th fleet anchorage, East of the Dublon Island. During the first strike of Operation Hailstorm she was attacked by TBF Avengers aircraft from USS Essex. They scored three hits in the mid and aft areas causing heavy damage, she went down within 2 hours of the attack.
Nippo Maru now rests on the sea bed at 47m on an even keel with a 20-30 degree list to port. With the superstructure at 27m, deck at 35m. There are 3 anti tank Howitzer guns on her starboard deck, a Type-95 “Ha Go” battle tank sits on the portside of the main deck by No 2 Hold. The last hold has a full battery of 5 inch guns. The helm and engine telegraphs provide excellent photos.
There is a fallen anti aircraft gun on the main deck, the remains of a truck hanging partly overboard on the port side close to Hold No 1. With a second on the sea bed beneath it. There are mines and shells cases in Hold No 1. On the Nippo you can find shells, detonators, rifle ammunition, water tanks, gas masks, mass kits, shoes, beer bottles and other artefacts.
While there is a lot of excellent dives in Truk Lagoon, the Nippo Maru is definately a must dive.
