Top Highlights for Scuba Diving Wrecks in Palau Fujikawa Maru
Scuba Diving Wrecks in Palau Fujikawa Maru
The Fujikawa Maru stands as the premier wreck dive in Chuuk Lagoon, sunk upright during Operation Hailstone on February 18, 1944, after US bombers targeted its aircraft cargo. This 133-meter refrigerated cargo ship, repurposed as an Imperial Japanese Navy transport, rests perfectly preserved from 9 meters at the superstructure to 35 meters on the seabed near Eten Island. Divers encounter Zero fighters, torpedo bombers, and engines intact amid thriving coral reefs, earning it top rankings from experts like Dan E. Bailey and Klaus Lindemann.[1][3][7]
Prime dives span the shallow bow for novices, cargo holds packed with propellers and parts, and deeper engine rooms teeming with fish. Nearby wrecks like Shinkoku Maru complement multiday itineraries on liveaboards. Penetration suits advanced divers, revealing WWII history without disturbance.[2][4][5]
Target dry months from November to April for 20–40 meter visibility and minimal swell. Currents stay mild around 1 knot, but check forecasts for typhoon season risks. Prepare with nitrox fills, buddy teams, and 80–100 cubic foot tanks for repetitive profiles.[3][6]
Chuukese communities view wrecks as sacred underwater museums honoring lost sailors from both sides. Local operators enforce no-touch policies, fostering respect during dives. Divers often join island tours to hear oral histories from elders tied to the Hailstone era.
Mastering Fujikawa Maru Depths
Book liveaboard charters months ahead through operators like SS Thorfinn for priority access to Fujikawa Maru during peak season. Aim for January to March when visibility peaks at 40 meters and seas remain flat. Confirm Open Water certification minimums and add wreck specialty for interior dives.
Arrive with certification cards and logbooks for quick boat checks. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, extra masks, and surface signaling devices for group dives. Hydrate heavily pre-dive given tropical heat, and review no-touch rules to preserve artifacts.