Ship History
Built by Maizuru Kaigun Kosho in Maizuru during 1940 as a Tategami Class Salvage Tug named Ojima. Equipped with a 5 ton derrick and a 10 ton derrick, salvage pumps, compressor and workshops.

Wartime History
Went to the aid of Kikuawa Maru and sunk in the explosion that rocked the crippled ship. Ojima was blown in two pieces and sank in Truk Lagoon. Many lives were lost in this tragedy. Two Daihatsu landing craft were sunk by the same blast.

Wartime History
On October 7, 1943 summoned to Eten Anchorage inside Truk Lagoon to aid Kikukawa Maru with a fire aboard. While the fire was attempting to be extinguished, the ship exploded also sinking Ojima and at least two Daihatsu Landing Craft.

Shipwreck
Ojima was blown in two pieces and rests on its starboard side in 120' in Truk Lagoon. The bow section includes the foreship and has a Daihatsu Landing Craft nearby. The stern section has a hatch with anchors and cables and another Daihatsu landing craft. No. 2 cargo hold and a mast are the rest is totally destroyed. This shipwreck is rarely dived due to the depth.

References
WWII Wrecks of the Truk Lagoon pages 269, 375, 408, 409 (photos), 410 (profile), 411 (map wreck site), 511 (index)

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Last Updated
November 17, 2023