|  |
|
| |
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
| IJN Passenger & Cargo 6,438 Tons 436.4' / 58.3' / 32  |
Ship History Built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Laid down 1938 as a 6,438 ton passenger and cargo carrier for Yamashita Kisen Line. Launched May 3, 1939 as Yamagiri Maru. Wartime History In September 1941 the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) took control of her and converted her to a military transport for special cargo. Served transporting war material between the Solomons and the Carolines until she was hit with two torpedoes fired by USS Drum in 1943. Afterwards, the repair can still be seen on the port side of hold number two. Sinking History On February 17, 1944 during "Operation Hailstone" U.S. Navy (USN) attacked by dive bombers from USS Yorktown and USS Bunker Hill dropping bombs from 500'. Hits rock the ship scoring hits amidship and trigger a huge explosion and sinks at roughly Lat 7° 23N Long 151-50E north of Fefan Island into Truk Lagoon. Eleven were killed with Captain Matsukawa surviving. Shipwreck The shipwreck is located at a depth of 50' to 110'. No. 5 hold contains 14" armor piercing shells. Previously, these shells were misidentified as 18.1" shells used by Yamato and Mushashi. The aft hold has only 55 gallon drums. The bridge is empty, except for some beer bottles, and a large encrusted bronze ship whistle. The forward holds are empty but ship's name is clearly visible on the bow and there is a large gun. Reference Combined Fleet - IJN Yamagiri Maru: Tabular Record of Movement Lagoon of Lost Ships includes dive footage of this wreck in 1969 WWII Wrecks of the Truk Lagoon (2001) pages 101, 142-143, 152, 157, 159, 163, 165, 266-267, 368, 441-442, 466, 474-477, 475 (Yamagiri Maru no. 5 hold 14" shells, not 18.1" shells), 516 (index) Contribute
Information Last Updated
|
 50-110' |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
