IJN
Converted Mine Layer
Tons
5,400
1943
1964
Albert Cross 1965
Ship History
A luxury passenger liner, that traveled from Japan to Russia, Venezuela, San Francisco and other ports on the west coast of the United States. At the start of the war, Tenyo Maru was pressed into military service as a converted mine layer.
Wartime History
This ship participated
in the Japanese
invasion of Wake Island as a transport vessel.
Sinking History
Sunk by US Navy aircraft on March 10, 1942
off Lae by US Navy SBDs.
Wreck Today
Post war, the bow of the ship was still visible above the water. It
rests 100 meters off the Lae Yacht Club. In the 1970s the visible part
of the wreck slipped underwater after an earthquake in the area. Underwater,
the vessel lies upright with her bow at 10m and stern 40m of water. It is largely
intact, with only part of the bow section broken off farther of the bridge.
The vessel is covered heavily with mud, extreme care must be taken on penetration.
Recommended only for experienced wreck divers. Highlights
include guns and mines still in hatches, only limited coral growth.
10-40m
