Ship History
Hitachi Maru (日立丸) was built by Osaka Iron Works in 1939 for Nissan Kisen K. K. in 1939 by Osaka Iron Works, powered by turbine engines.

Note: in wartime documents, this ship is name incorrectly as: 'Hatachi Maru' or ''Hitati Maru' (neither exists) these names also refer to this vessel.

This ship was hired by the Japanese Navy and used as a cargo vessel.

Sinking History
This ship and others were off southern Bougainville in the Buinn-Shortland area on February 14, 1943. Bombed by nine PB4Y Liberators of of VB-101 dropping a single 1,000 lbs bomb, and scored 'several hits', and escorted by P-38s, F4Us, while defending A6M Zeros and A6M2-N Rufes attacked overhead.

This ship suffered two direct bomb hits on the starboard side amidship. Four crew members were killed in the attack.

It is unclear if it Hitachi Maru was grounded after the attack, or bombed while unloaded. The ship sank in shallow water or was run aground at Moila Point.

Shipwreck
Shipwreck remained high on the reef into late 1945.

References
Dictionary of Disasters at Sea page 322
AWM captions, this ship is incorectly listed as 'Hitati Maru'

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