Wartime History
On April 6, 1943 at 1630, convoy "Hansa No. 28" departs Palau for Hansa Bay. It includes: Subchaer CH-26, Subchaer CH-34 destroyers TANIKAZE and AMATSUKAZE and transports: Teiryu Maru, India Maru, Toho Maru, Sydney Maru, Taisei Maru and Taiyu Maru.

On April 12, the convoy arrives at Hansa Bay and is attacked, and the Sydney Maru is lost. The next day at 0900 the remaining convoy depart Hansa Bay. The convoy splits, with Teiryu Maru, Toho Maru and Amatsukaze and CH-34 proceed back to Palau, arriving April 18.

The remaining ships: CH-26, TANIKAZE and Taisei Maru and Taiyu Maru proceeded to Wewak arriving on April 14 to unload their remaining supplies.

Sinking History
On April 15 while underway for Palau, India Maru is bombed by American aircraft and sunk. Reportedly 5 miles east of Kairuru Island.

Shipwreck
This shipwreck has never been found. Some claim an unidentified shipwreck in Victoria Bay is the India Maru, but this is unlikely.

Tale of Gold
It is popularly believed, but unconfirmed that the 'India Maru' was carrying a cargo of 150 tons of gold. This story is highly unlikely as it was in a combat area. Why would gold be transported there? None the less, this tale has done wonders for the Wewak area diving shops, and charter dive boat business.

Contribute Information