IJN
Vickers Type
L4 Submarine

Tons
988

Dimensions
242 / 24 / 12

Ship History
The RO class of subs were built in the early 1920's and were highly vulenerable. Their machinery was not reliable at depths below 125 feet, and the subs were very susceptible to depth charge attacks. Only one ship was sunk by the nine subs of this class. Five subs were lost in the war, the other four were scrapped.

Sinking History
The sub became strained on the reef in shallow water at Kwajalein Northern Atoll due to a navigational error on December 9, 1941 The entire crew was rescued by submarine tender Jingei later that same day. Numerous 50 cal. bullets are lying around the reef indicating the sub was strafed either when the atoll was recaptured, or when US forces occupied the island. The sub was blown in two when its torpedoes exploded.

Shipwreck
The forward section is 200 yards ahead of the stern. The Coning tower is 150 yards from the forward section. The deck gun is 560 yards from that. Wreckage is strewn all over the reef. Many bronze artifacts, gauges, tools, etc. have been recovered. The aft section is against the reef. The wooden deck is still partially intact, but the interior of the stern is hard to penetrate due to waves crashing against it. Many aggressive sharks around the wreck in June.

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