Ship History
Built by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding at Nagasaki for for Toyo Kisen K.K., Tokyo. On July 3, 1934 laid down down as a 6,843 ton cargo ship. Launched on January 22, 1935. Completed March 28, 1935. During 1935 - 1940 chartered to Mitsui Ltd. and used for service between Japan and New York plus Russia, Venezuela, San Francisco and other ports on the west coast of the United States.

Wartime History
On September 9, 1941 requisitioned by the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN). On September 15, 1941 arrives at Harima shipyard and converted into a mine layer completed on October 31, 1941. Registered in the Kure Naval District. Captain Ishido Yuzo is appointed Commanding Officer and assigned to the Fourth Fleet, Mine Division 19 along with minelayer Okinoshima and Tokiwa.

This ship participated in the Japanese invasion of Wake Island.

Sinking History
On March 10, 1942 sunk by U. S. Navy (USN) SBD Dauntless dive bombers offshore from Lae into Huon Gulf.

Shipwreck
Until at least 1965, the bow of the ship was still visible above the water. It rests 100 meters off the Lae Yacht Club at the edge of Lae Airfield. In the 1970s the visible part of the wreck slipped underwater after an earthquake in the area. Underwater, the vessel lies upright with her bow at 10m and stern 40m of water. It is largely intact, with only part of the bow section broken off farther of the bridge. The vessel is covered heavily with mud, extreme care must be taken on penetration. Recommended only for experienced wreck divers. Highlights include guns and mines still in hatches, only limited coral growth.

References
CombinedFleet - IJN Auxiliary Minelayer TENYO MARU Tabular Record of Movement

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Last Updated
August 4, 2020