War in Paradise
World War II sites in Truk Lagoon, Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia

Truk Lagoon shipwrecks and aircraft

The Truk Lagoon shipwrecks are known as some of the best shipwreck sites to dive in the world. It would be difficult to find anywhere else in the world, 50-60 shipwrecks located in such ideal conditions, and exhibiting the historic and scenic values that these sites contain.

What can be found in this booklet is a list of the 52 ships known to have been sunk inside the lagoon, during World War II, as well as one sunk off Kuop Atoll. Many ships were sunk outside of the lagoon, but have not been listed here.

A small 'gun boat' with turrets that may have contained machine guns, was another recent 'find', although known for several years by some of the people of Tonoas (photograph top right).

The shipwrecks have been dived now for over 30 years and show several signs of wear and tear. Numerous artefacts are removed from dark cabins and placed on the decks to obtain better photographs. Divers exhaust bubbles are often seen rising out of the shipwrecks but many bubbles are trapped which can accelerate the corrosion of the shipwrecks and effect their longevity and stability.

The shipwrecks also contain many munitions, of which some are used to make bombs for 'dynamite fishing' sometimes on the shipwrecks. This leads to damage to the associated flora and fauna and to the shipwrecks themselves, as has been found from the recent corrosion survey.

Also contained here is a list of the known World War II aircraft. The shipwrecks and aircraft are also the final resting place of many Japanese sailors and army personnel. Together with the remaining aircraft located in the lagoon, the shipwrecks are protected under Chuuk law and it is illegal to interfere with them, including recovering any material.

*denotes USA aircraft