Guam Wrecks

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TOKAI MARU

Location: Apra Harbor   GPS: 13.27.34N, 144.39.23E (stern)

Depth Range: 42 - 130 feet     Skill Range: Novice/Advanced>

Access: Boat   Visibility: 30 - 60 feet (On a great day)

Research done by Pete Peterson, so blame him if there are any errors.

The TOKAI MARU was a Japanese passenger-cargo freighter put in service in August, 1930. She was a "state-of-the-art" vessel, and was used by the Osaka Shosen Company as one of their modern fast luxury freighters on the Tokyo to New York City run.

She was re-commissioned as a freighter under contract to the Japanese Imperial Navy in October, 1941, and was used to transport war materials and personnel throughout the pacific.

On January 24, 1943 the Tokai was observed anchored in Apra Harbor by the US submarine FLYING FISH. Assuming that the ship was soon to leave the harbor, the FLYING FISH waited outside the entrance for 3 days. With no movement of the ship or any other vessels, the FLYING FISH fired two torpedoes set to run at 1' depth (to cross over a very shallow reef). One of the torpedoes ran aground on the reef, but the other struck the Tokai causing considerable damage, but not sinking her.

Seven months later, the US submarine SNAPPER, patrolling west of Guam, spotted two ships in the harbor. Not knowing at the time that these were the Tokai Maru and another damaged ship (Nichiyo Maru), the submarine patiently waited for one week, and then made a submerged attack under the eye's of a Japanese patrol vessel less than two miles away.

At 3:23 on the afternoon of August 27th, the SNAPPER fired a spread of four torpedoes, three at the nearest ship (Tokai) and the fourth at the other. The SNAPPER immediately headed west for safer waters. Over the next few hours numerous explosions were heard, and the Tokai was observed with the bow at an extreme "up angle", indicating that the stern was on the bottom. A few minutes later the Tokai slipped beneath the surface.

An interesting side note was made by Commander M.K. Clementson in the submarine's log about the patrol vessel:

"For the next 10-15 minutes heard some very faint distant explosions undoubtedly inside the harbor and one explosion about 100 yards away (from the submarine), probably from the patrol vessel. His screws were not heard after this so it is believed possible that this nicely in-efficient gent probably de-commissioned himself. Departed from the area at good speed, and depth, however."

DIVING INFO: The Tokai Maru is a large ship, over 440 feet long. She rests in 120 feet with an 85 degree list to port (left). The shallowest part of the ship is the upper forward bridge area at a depth of 43 feet.  The upper main deck areas are between 55-70'.

A torpedo has blown a hole in the bottom of the cargo hold just behind the bridge, and this is undoubtedly the torpedo that sunk her. There is damage on the starboard bow, but this is believed to have been inflicted on the first attack in January, 1943.

The cargo holds contains  a few rusted remains of truck frames, beds, scrap steel, and misc objects. The engine room is huge, and both of her engines, catwalks, and panels are intact. The after deck house in the stern of the vessel contains at least 4 depth charges, which are plainly visible from the top of the structure. DO NOT attempt to touch or move these depth charges.  The propellers have been removed.

Visibility averages 20-50', but can vary due to the tide and large ship traffic in the harbor. A good average diving depth to see all of the Tokai would be 60-80 feet.

 You can see an overview of the relationship between the Tokai and the Cormoran here.       

 ///PLEASE NOTE/// Wreck diving can be very enjoyable and offers a chance to see some of Guam's history. DO NOT make any penetration dives unless you are thoroughly trained and experienced.

 

Click on any pix to see the expanded version.