Heian Maru

The Heian Maru lies between Weno and Tonoas, Chuuk Lagoon in water 36 metres deep (120 feet), 12 metres (40 feet) to top of wreck. It's a 11,614 ton passenger / cargo luxury liner that was converted to submarine tender for war. At 155 metres (509 feet) in length the ship can be seen in average 20 metres (65 feet) visibility. It lies port side and its name can be seen clearly. Penetrating at the forward hold through the 24 in./60 cm. Diameter hatch cover you will see Long Lance torpedoes, periscopes and countless artifacts. She is the largest ship in the lagoon torpedoed in the holds and bridge during Operation Hailstone, second only to the Tonan Maru No 3 which was 535 feet long and displaced 19,209 tons. It was salvaged, rebuilt and recommissioned as a whaling ship. Heian Maru was taken down by Grumman Hellcats, the fire in the vessel left her burning until she eventually sank. You can explore the decks and see the angled masts. It takes a good few dives to do this one there's a large gun turret on the bow. The first Hold has some large artillery shells and torpedoes as does Hold Two along with bodies and engines. The engine room itself can be penetrated form within the superstructure..