Explore the San Francisco Maru wreck using our new interactive photo-map.
Often Called "the million dollar wreck" the San Francisco Maru sank in 63m, after being hit by a 500lbs bomb whilst at the Eten Anchorage in Truk Lagoon. Its cargo consists of hundreds of ariel bombs and mines, as well as trucks and tanks.
Check out the photo map in the tabs for photos of the wreck taken by Fourth Element Dive Team member - Pete Mesley. You can also dive this wreck on expedition Truk Lagoon
San Francisco Maru Photo-Map
Click on the orange markers for photos. Schematics by Dan Bailey | photos by Pete Mesley
San Francisco Maru Video
Video by Nick Poole - OverSeasMedia
Wreck History
Built in 1919 by the Kawasaki Dockyard, The S.S. San Francisco Maru was a medium freighter for the Yamashista Kisen Line. Sunk on Febuary 18th 1944 by the Americans like most wrecks in Truk Lagoon, it was hit by a 500lb bomb whilst at the Eten Anchorage, during the first day of the Operation Hailstorm airstrikes. The wreck was discovered in 1969 by Cousteau but not dived untill 1973 when the ships bell was recovered and the identity was confirmed.
Diving the Wreck
The wreck sits in 63m of water, with the deck at 50m and the superstructure at 45m. Its cargo consists of a variety of explosives and military machinery including ariel bombs, hemispherical limpet mines, detonators as well as trucks and 3 Type 95 HA GO TANKS sitting on the deck. There is also an impressive 3 Inch Gun at the bow (see photos).
