Ship History
Disembarked troops of the Kure 5th Special Naval Landing Party at Rabi at Milne Bay.

On July 29, 1942 this ship was about to unload suppies and troops at Buna. Caught near Gona by A-24 Dive bombers, it was hit by a bomb from the second wave and damaged near its #5 hatch. This damage forces it to unload its troops on landing craft, and leave its cargo undelivered. It was able to leave the area under reduced power and returned to Lae.

Sinking HIstory
Bombed again by American aircraft on August 8, 1942 the ship floated and went aground near Salamaua.

Salvage
'Caledonian Salvor' ordered to remove winches and other gear July 15, 1944. Broken up in various parts, its bow section then settled in 25m of water.

Wreckage
The bow section of the wreck is visible near Salamaua. The wreck is a good wreck for novice divers. The best season to dive Kotoko is between November and April, when visibility is usually in the region of 10 to 20m, depending on the prevailing weather.  Points of interest include the ammunition locker which still contains ammunition. This wreck also offers excellent night dives.

References
"X Marks the Spot" by David Pennefather
Rust In Peace has a photo of this wreck in the early 1970s

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009