Wartime History
The Gosei Maru was used by the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) as a cargo vessel.

Sinking History
On February 17, 1944 during "Operation Hailstone" hit by an aerial torpedo in the forward hold destroying most of the bridge and cabin and causing the ship to sink in in Truk Lagoon.

Shipwreck
A cargo ship which rests at a steep incline, the stern just six feet below the surface. Known as the 'stern-high wreck' or 'diagonal ship' are the local names for this wreck. The bow lies on the sea bed in 120 feet of water. Many divers explore this wreck because of its relatively shallow depth.

Stern Cabin
The stern cabin is full of bottles and shows fire damage. It is possible to enter the engine room.

No.2 Hold
The No. 2 hold contains torpedo bodies and crushed 55 gallon drums The ship's large four bladed propeller is in only 30 feet of water. The ship was probably supplying torpedoes to the submarine and torpedo boat station near Uman Island.

During 1976 and early 1977 several large explosions were reported by Uman Island residence coming from the wreck caused by the 8,000 psi high pressure flasks inside the torpedoes exploding. During April 1977, explosive charges were set to destroy the remaining torpedoes.

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Last Updated
January 8, 2022