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  Japanese Floating Crane
IJN
Floating Crane





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Keith W. Bryant, 1946
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Don Gould, 1984
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Justin Taylan 2000
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Justin Taylan 2006
Ship History
This pontoon barge with a crane was assigned to the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN).

Wartime History
When this barge reached Rabaul, it was bombed by U.S. planes abandoned at the southern edge of Karavia Bay.

Wreckage
This floating crane stern and crane are above water and remain on the side of the road in shallow water, partially ashore at the edge of Karavia Bay.

During November 1945 or December 1945, the crane was inspected by Captain Gaby from Cambrian Salvor who reported it received a direct bomb hit amidship and sank the barge portion and all equipment was submerged and was not deemed worthy of salvage but recommended a full survey.

Postwar, the crane barge wreckage was dubbed the "Singapore crane" as it was believed it was towed from Singapore to Rabaul.

Dave Flynn adds:
"There are Japanese manufacture plates and Japanese writing on the wreck. The pontoon portion goes underwater to about 12m and includes a winch also concrete blocks that were the counterweights for the crane."

References
Hotages to Freedom (1995) pages 372 (Captain Gaby inspection of floating crane)

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Last Updated
November 17, 2023

 

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