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  Akibaasan Maru (P-Buoy Wreck)
IJN
Cargo

4,607 Tons
375' / 50' / 24'


Wartime History
During the Pacific War, used by the Japanese Navy as a cargo vessel with a crew of 49 men.

Sinking History
On January 31, 1944 spotted by U.S. Navy carrier aircraft and bombed, suffering three direct hits from planes off USS Bunker Hill. This vessel sank within five minutes in the Southern Atoll of Kwajalein.

Shipwreck
In 1965, the Akibaasan Maru was discovered at a depth of 160' in the southern atoll of Kwajalein. This shipwreck is often referred to as "P-buoy" because of the large buoy near the wreck.

No. 1 Hold
The No. 1 hold has piles of Japanese beer bottles, shoes and broken wooden crates. Burned planks indicate a fire ripped through the compartment. The bow has an anchor, winch and gun platform but no gun. The forecastle was the crew's quarters, and many personal effects have been found there over the years. Aft compartments contain a western style bathtub with its end chipped off by a bomb that was later removed.

No. 2 Hold
The No. 2 hold has seaplane wings and pontoons (probably repalcement parts for the Mavis seaplanes stationed on nearby Ebeye Island. Also, many sake bottles until they were removed by SCUBA divers and many are missing.

No 4 Hold
The No. 4 hold has large drums, lumber and other things. Depth charges are found at the fantail of the wreck these have been removed. Easy access to stern cabins with the equipment and machinery. Many types of large fish in the vicinity. Groupers are found at the stern.

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Last Updated
January 8, 2022

 

SCUBA
160'
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