Wreck Diving Chuuk Lagoon

Exploring the Wrecks of Chuuk Lagoon

Nestled in the South Pacific Ocean, Chuuk Lagoon offers divers a haunting, yet beautiful underwater experience. Chuuk sets itself apart with its unparalleled underwater attractions: a vast collection of shipwrecks and aircraft remnants from World War II. This underwater graveyard, a legacy of the fierce 1944 Allied attack on the Japanese Imperial Fleet, has been transformed into a robust artificial reef system.

In February 1944, a devastating U.S. aerial assault known as Operation Hailstone decimated the fleet, sending over 50 ships, hundreds of aircraft, and thousands of soldiers to the lagoon’s depths. Today, these wrecks rest in various states of preservation, many still containing their original cargo—fighter planes, tanks, medical supplies, and even human remains. Each dive offers a powerful connection to the past, a poignant reminder of the war’s impact.

For divers, the wrecks present an extraordinary blend of history and marine biodiversity. The Fujikawa Maru, one of the most famous wrecks, holds rusting Japanese Zero fighter planes in its cargo hold, while the Shinkoku Maru, an oil tanker, is now a vibrant reef where soft corals and schools of fish flourish. Some sites, like the Aikoku Maru, serve as solemn war graves, reinforcing the need for respect when exploring these sunken relics.

Above: Rebreather diver Pam Wooten hovers over a naval gun’s shells.

Despite their historical significance, these wrecks face mounting threats. Corrosion, looting, and environmental factors, including fuel leaks from decaying hulls, jeopardize their integrity. Current efforts to balance preservation with the economic benefits of dive tourism are ongoing.

Above: The sea is reclaiming a Zero Dive Bomber’s cockpit.

Diving in Chuuk Lagoon is more than just an adventure—it’s an immersion into history. Every descent brings divers face-to-face with the remnants of war, now enveloped in the quiet beauty of the ocean. As divers explore this submerged museum, they are reminded of both the horrors of conflict and nature’s ability to reclaim and transform. Whether driven by historical curiosity or a love for underwater exploration, those who dive into Chuuk Lagoon leave with a profound appreciation for this unique and fragile heritage site.

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Hydroponic Tower Update:

Well, as they say “A picture is worth a thousand words,” or as in our filmmaking projects “Don’t tell ‘em - Show ‘em!”

Jill preps a salad with luscious greens hydroponically grown on our window sill.

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Jill continues her reading of tech diver and Naval Aviator Peter Hunt’s “The Lost Intruder.” Previous chapters are posted in earlier newsletters. Here’s chapter FOUR:

You can get a print copy of Peter’s book here.

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In the “Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover” department, here’s a music video by Teddy Swims covering a Nat King Cole classic. These BBC radio orchestra videos are unique in that they feature a popular artist accompanied by a full orchestra, with a captivating arrangement of familiar songs. Enjoy!

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The springtime flowers are in the local greenhouses!

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