WWII Wreck Nagisan Maru (Palau 02-02-2012)

"The [360'] ship is sitting upright in 110' (33 meters) of water on a muddy bottom; the main deck is at 85' (26 meters). ... The Nagisan Maru is medium size [360'] freighter that was restructured prior to the war to carry bulk cargo. She was sunk by a bomb hit on her stern during operation DESECRATE ONE, March 30-31, 1944. The Nagisan Maru was carrying barrels of aviation fuel and oil when she was hit. The ship burned for two days before sinking. The fire weakened the bridge and decks, they have collapsed into the holds of the ship. Some of the fuel drums can be seen on the ocean floor surrounding the ship. Penetration of this wreck is extremely difficult due to the damage she sustained from the bombs and ensuing fires. Visibility on the wreck is usually poor despite the fact that the wreck lies within a protected area. .... Fascinating Facts: In August 1943, a torpedo fired by a U.S. submarine near Tinian Island struck the Nagisan Maru. The damage was minor; the ship was repaired and returned to service later that year. (Information courtesy of D-log and Fish ‘n Fins Palau)." http://www.visit-palau.com/thingstodo/activity_description.cfm?activityID=D61B547A-E975-1019-C9298ADCEBC96072 as of 02/17/2012.