Pacific Wrecks
Pacific Wrecks    
  Missing In Action (MIA) Prisoners Of War (POW) Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)  
Chronology Locations Aircraft Ships Submit Info How You Can Help Donate
  Kikukawa Maru
IJN
Passenger & Cargo

3,833 Tons
354' / 50' / 27'


Click For Enlargement
Wartime History
On September 21, 1943 convoy No. 3921 departs Tokyo Bay for Truk Lagoon including this ship also Hakkai Maru, Hiyoshi Maru, Mutsuyo Maru (Bokuyo), Haruna Maru, Kaiko Maru, Kaian Maru, Nanka Maru No. 2 and Mikage Maru No. 18, escorted by Oki and Fukue.

Damaged by bombs during October, Hakkai Maru attempted repairs.

Sinking History
On October 7, 1943 while anchored in the 4th Fleet Anchorage in Truk Lagoon. Due to overloading, accidentally caught fire. Responding, Ojima arrives and ties up alongside. As the fire reached her cargo of fuel, a huge explosion is triggered that sinks both ships into Truk Lagoon. Aboard Kikukawa Maru, five crew and 39 passengers are killed. Officially removed from the Navy list on December 1, 1943.

Shipwreck
Kikukawa Maru is sunk at a depth of 120' into Truk Lagoon. During 1976, the shipwreck was discovered during a fathometer survey. In June 1980 rediscovered but rarely dived. The front half of the shipwreck is resting on an underwater hill. Inside the forward hull are oil drums, a compressor and other equipment. Aircraft parts including aircraft bodies, propellers, engines and wheels have spilled onto the ocean floor. A truck is in the debris pile.

References
Combined Fleet - IJN Kikukawa Maru: Tabular Record of Movement

Contribute Information
Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned?
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
November 27, 2022

 

  Discussion Forum Daily Updates Reviews Museums Interviews & Oral Histories  
 
Pacific Wrecks Inc. All rights reserved.
Donate Now Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram