Sinking History
On December 4, 1943 attacked by U.S. Navy (USN) carrier aircraft from the USS Lexington in the Northern Atoll of Kwajalein Atoll. Hit by bombs and a torpedo setting it on fire before it exploded, flinging debris as far as outside the lagoon, and creating a column of smoke 10,000' into the air. After the explosion, the ship immediately sank.

Shipwreck
No oil can be seen at the surface, but the water around the wreck is slightly caustic, and this has kept many divers away from the wreck because they get irritated burns from fuel in the water and silt of the wreck. The deck gun is a 5 or 6 inch type mounted on a raised platform. Ammo for it is stored below the gun. A small compartment to the left after entering the port side of the ship was a lantern locker, and several lanterns are found here. Some small arms and grenades are also in this area.

No. 1 hold is empty except for a few pieces of lumber and cases of foodstuffs. A paravane or aileron for mine sweeping is on the port side of the deck. No. 2 hold has 55 gal drums which probably contained aviation fuel for aircraft at Roi Airfield. The flying bridge contains a telegraph, wheel, rudder stand, and other equipment are here almost completely covered in hardened muck and burn producing substance. A room to the side of the wheelhouse served as a radio room. Wiring and electrical equipment lies in a heap here. Heavy bronze gun mounts lie on each side of the radio room.

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Last Updated
February 11, 2025