Fujikawa Maru

The Fujikawa Maru is the most dived and most celebrated wreck in Chuuk Lagoon (formerly Truk) — an 132-meter Japanese aircraft transport sunk on February 17-18, 1944 during Operation Hailstone, the devastating US Navy air strike that decimated Japan's Pacific Fleet base. She rests upright in 34 meters of water with her mast reaching to within 12 meters of the surface, her holds still containing the Zero fighter aircraft, spare parts, and military supplies that defined her mission as Japan's floating aircraft carrier support ship. The wreck is legendary for its cargo of Mitsubishi A6M 'Zero' fighters in the forward and aft holds — visible through open cargo hatches and encrusted with 80 years of marine growth that has transformed the propellers, cockpits, and wings into surreal coral-covered artifacts. Cargo hold number 2 contains three partially-assembled Zeros still recognizable under the encrustation. The bow 6-inch gun and the ship's superstructure are also major dive highlights, with the pilot house and bridge preserving their original form. Marine life has made the Fujikawa Maru one of the most biologically rich wrecks in the world. Dense coral cover — hard and soft corals, gorgonian fans, sponges, and sea whips — carpets every surface. Resident giant clams, barracuda schools, and reef sharks patrol the wreck, while black-tip and grey reef sharks cruise the deeper sections. Macro photographers prize the wreck for nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and ornate ghost pipefish that inhabit the coral growth. The Fujikawa Maru is accessible to Advanced Open Water divers given the 34-meter maximum depth, with Wreck and Nitrox certifications recommended for extended bottom time and penetration. Chuuk Lagoon is reached by international flights to Weno via Guam; nearly all diving is liveaboard-based or operated from the few dedicated lodge operators on Weno. Visibility typically 15-30 meters, water temperatures 28-30°C year-round. Best season December to April, when seas are calmest and surface visibility is highest.