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| IJN Cargo Seaplane Tender 7,189 Tons 479' 9" x 62' 4" x 32' 3" 2 x 14cm guns 2 x 13.2mm MG 2 x catapults |
Ship History Built by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding in Yokohama. Laid down June 23, 1939 as a cargo vessel of 7,189 Tons for Nihon Yusen Co. (NYK) Japanese Mailboat Company. Launched March 23, 1940 as Sagara Maru. Completed November 12, 1940 and began service between Japan and Seattle. Wartime History On September 11, 1941 requisitioned by the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) and converted into a seaplane tender attached to the Yokosuka Naval District assigned to Captain Kohashi Yoshiaki. Call sign JNPO. Assigned six F1M2 Petes and two E8N2 Daves in reserve. Her floatplanes had tail code UVI-xx (two digits). PARTIAL HISTORY On June 23, 1943 while off Mikomoto Island escorted by destroyer Sawakaze, southeast of Cape Omae Zaki lighthouse off Honshu. USS Harder SS-257 tracked this vessel on SJ radar and made a submerged approach reaching 2,500 yards from Sangara Maru. Spotted, the seaplane tender opens fire but the submarine fires four torpedoes, the first its between her bow and bridge causing severe damage and leaves the vessel drifting. Afterwards, Sawakaze takes her into tow while Matsu Maru and Tatsu Maru assist. On June 24, 1943 damaged Sagara Maru is beached to avoid sinking near the Tenryu River roughly 1.5 miles southwest of Kaketsuka Light at roughly Lat 33° 45' N, Long 138° 10' E. On July 4, 1943 at 10:00pm USS Pompano SS-181 spots the beached vessel and makes a night attack firing three torpedoes, two hit. On August 17, 1943 Captain Kanda is relieved. On September 1, 1943 the vessel is abandoned as a total loss and removed from the Navy list. References Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) - Japanese Naval and Merchant Shipping Losses During World War II by All Causes pages 22 (Sangara Muaru, USS Harder), 42 (Sagara Maru, June 23, 1943), 115 (index Sagara Maru) Combined Fleet IJN Seaplane Tender SAGARA MARU: Tabular Record of Movement Contribute
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