Lying in 12m of water on the east side of Lusong Island, the stern actually breaks the surface at low tide. hour, between Busuanga and Manila. Her upper surfaces (starboard hull) rises to 22m/72ft depth. While laden with 1,250 tons rice and 500 cubic meters of supply materials for the Japanese occupation forces in the Philippines she had suffered one direct bomb hit while in Manila Bay on 21 Sep. Wreck penetration is possible (for those with appropriate training) into several decks, including the engine rooms – which house four large diesel engines. This was either a gunboat or a submarine hunter. The majority of the shipwrecks of Coron Bay result from a sustained air-attack on the Imperial Japanese Navy that took place on, the 24th September 1944. A very near miss while strafing in a dive also showed damage with a small fire to a TB-AK, also on the port side at about the same position. Discover the shipwreck diving sites and enchanting beaches, islands, and lagoons of Coron, Palawan. Suitable for:  Open Water / Wreck Divers (suitability depends on prevailing currents), Perfect for:  Accessible wreck penetrations / Underwater (inc Macro) Photography. The hit upon the TA-AK was believed to be the bomb of Lieutenant L. R. Swanson.”. She lies sunken on her port side, lying on a bearing of 290. The diving here is suitable for all divers- beginner to advanced technical divers. turquoise sea quietly lapping their shores. Irako- One of the best wrecks in the Philippines, Irako is still largely intact. Surrounding the island are several reef system filled with both soft and hard corals. It is reported that 9 crew (gunners and sailors) died during her initial attack. Coron Shipwrecks. When (Japanese) Southern Army Command received air warnings on a second attack the vessel was ordered to relocate to Coron Bay. This wreck is another source of debate over her origin. In order for you to see this page as it is meant to appear, we ask that you please re-enable your Javascript! Japanese army staff cars and trucks can be found in the cargo holds. However, contrary to statements of Bowie and Dietrich (AG 31) Okikawa Maru did not sink at once. We have been diving for 3 days now in Coron, lovely experience! Built and designed for the Japanese Imperial Navy in 1940, the Irako is the … A little further in is another passage leading to an air chamber one can surface in to see the beautiful rock formations within. The ship got strafed but was not damaged. some of the amazing wrecks of Coron here's all you need to know! It completely covered in coral and interesting critters. The meals are served in the beachfront t restaurant, and the bar is on a small island connected to the beach by a stilted walkway over the ocean, truly beautiful. There are many opportunities for wreck penetration, including access to the engine rooms via the propeller shaft, the oil storage holds and crew berthing decks. Learning about the history of these ships added a fascinating and eerie element to the dives. Perfect for:  Technical Wreck Penetration. In 1944 there was an air attack in Coron, resulting in numerous Japanese Navy ships being completely taken down by the US Airforce. Their first strike scored direct hits into the midship section. CLUB CORON Freedivers. After she had received several bomb hits the vessel sank with 39 men. The main attraction for divers though, are the several WWII Japanese wrecks that lie within recreational diving depths. In the Philippines, Coron is one of the most visited destinations when it comes to wreck diving which includes Sangat Wreck, Akitsushima, Olympia Maru, and Irako Maru. Philippines INCREDIBLE Shipwreck Diving Coron - Palawan Travel VLOG Guide 2016. Their first strike scored direct hits into the midship section. Coron town has many accommodation and dive shop options. Originally (and most commonly) referred to as the ‘, Her northerly position in Coron Bay (north-east of Busuanga Island) meant that she was one of the last ships to be sunk during the decisive attack – and her sinking is well documented in an, TA-AK Single Stack of 10,000 to 12,000 tons. 10 aircraft attacked from starboard, then from port side. The Irako Maru measures 147m /485ft in length and weighed 9,570  tonness. Deck penetration is possible for experienced wreck divers. It was declared a protected area in 1996. There are many different routes of penetration possible, including the prop shaft and engine room which is really interesting. The waters around the island are justly famous for wreck diving, due to the number of Japanese ships that were sunk there during World War II. Along with the cargo holds, these offer some satisfying opportunities for wreck penetration. (@tj.lois) on Dec 3, 2017 at 11:11pm PST. Having sustained massive damage in that attack, she burned for nearly 3 weeks and was eventually sunk (after a further bombing) on the 9th October of that year. Clam Garden. The engine stopped, another series of bombs hit the galley and cargo holds. The wreck measures 118m (389ft) long and weighed 4,650 tonnes. VB-18 later scored one direct hit into the aft part of the vessel causing a tremendous explosion most likely of the AVGAS (aviation gasoline) fuel tanks for the flying boat. Philippines INCREDIBLE Shipwreck Diving Coron - Palawan Travel VLOG Guide 2016 - YouTube. For certified divers we offer daily trips to our famous Japanese World War 2 wrecks and our beautiful reefs. Skeleton Wreck is a 25m long Japanese supply ship that was hit by an airstrike during WWII by US airforce. Located in the southeastern corner of Lusong Island; this Japanese Freight Ship measuring 158 meters was sunk by Americans in 1944 and currently lies in depth of 34 meters on its starboard side. The first two or more groups just strafed Okikawa Maru and continued to head for the seaplane tender Akitsushima anchored a few cables to the West. She was built in 1937 specifically to support extended fleet operations – able to supply food for 25,000 personnel for two weeks. Not much to see when you have been diving with “The Big Boys (wrecks) ” It’s on most of the island hopping and snorkeling tours so expect crowds. Suitable for:  Deep Divers / Technical Divers, Wreck videos courtesy of  TXL Underwater Video youtube channel. The hard and soft Coral all over the Irako is great especially on the superstructures. The hull has lots of sponges and hydroids. Initially referred to as the ‘Olympia Maru‘ (the name persists), the Morazán Maru was an English-built (1908) freighter-liner, which was seized by the Imperial Japanese Navy in Shanghai, on 8th December 1941, and put to use as an auxiliary supply vessel. opening higher up rockface, above sea level. The visibility is usually good and there is a great marine life surrounding the shipwreck making it one of the best dive sites around Busuanga Island. This is an inland brackish lake (which, despite its name, does not have any barracuda living in it). Coron is a premier dive destination and has possibly the best shipwreck diving in Southeast Asia. The tunnel has lots of lobsters and other crustaceans and molluscs living inside it. Set ablaze on the bridge superstructure Irako began to sink over the bow. Coron town has many accommodation and dive shop options, but doesn’t offer the secluded island getaway feeling, at all. She sank upright, with a slight tilt to the port side, at a depth of 26m/86ft on a bearing of 330o. Despite sinking from bombing, the wreck appears virtually intact (leading to speculation that it was actually abandoned and scuttled by its crew). Caution- One does need to be aware that one kick in the wrong direction can cause a “storm” of fine dark silt which can be extremely disorientating and virtually blinding, so Visibility is 3-15m and current remains light-moderate. Sunken WWII shipwreck. She sank upright, with a slight tilt to the port side, at a depth of 26m/86ft on a bearing of 330. The large cargo holds ae full of construction materials, a cement mixer and a bulldozer. At 1426 the ship sank from the stern. It is an awesome spot for free-diving or scuba diving … There are many large scorpionfish and lionfish on the superstructure. Free diving and scuba Diving / course's free diving dive tour. She arrived in Coron Bay on 23 Sep 1540 and dropped anchor. Best service at best value -rooms from 590php (+17% nondivers)-. She arrived on 23 Sep 1540 and dropped anchor just West of Tangat Island. The shipwrecks of Coron Bay are a series of impressive wreck sites for diving and snorkelling in Palawan. After she had survived TF 38`s air attacks on Japanese shipping in Manila Bay and Harbor on 21 Sep 1944 she received sailing order to transfer to Coron Bay and weighed anchor at 1730 the same day. However, it took some time before she finally went down with considerable casualties. However, it took some time before she finally went down with considerable casualties, She now lies on her starboard side at a depth of 36m/116ft on a bearing of 230, Kogyo Maru (Auxilliary Supply Ship, IJN/Navy. The Kogyo Maru (also known locally as the Ekkai Maru) was an Imperial Japanese Navy auxiliary supply ship, attacked  by US Task Force 38 on the 24 September 1944. many entry point, penetration is possible. It is a shallow spot with the shipwreck being between 5m and 15m deep. Originally powered by steam engines, she was upgraded to two-stroke/six-cylinder (582hp) oil engines between 2 June and 2 August 1930. The wreck is home to some vibrant hard and soft corals, along with a wide diversity of marine life. After she had received several bomb hits the vessel sank with 39 men. The bow has broken off, but lies en-situ. Olympia Maru (Army cargo ship) While laden with 1,250 tons rice and 500 cubic meters of supply materials for the Japanese occupation forces in the Philippines she had suffered one direct bomb hit while in Manila Bay on 21 Sep. temperature, ranging form about 28C to about 38C. around 12m making her very accessible for all level of diver. There is some doubt as to which planes attacked which targets, but more planes attacked the large single stack TA-AK than the other two. The resort offers simple accommodation in beach bungalows with en-suite bungalows and beautiful sea Coron Dive Sites House Reefs. Currents are moderate – strong. Carrying a deck load of reconnaissance water planes she arrived in Coron Bay around 22 Sep 1944 and tried to hide her presence between Tangat and Lusong Island. She rests on her starboard side at a depth of 25m. The majority of the shipwrecks of Coron Bay result from a sustained air-attack on the Imperial Japanese Navy that took place on the 24th September 1944. scuba diving trip.. / shipwreck local penetrator/ Your Local dive guide/ master / instructor Getting there involves flying to Busuanga Airport, in Palawan. Neptune Dive Center is a full service PADI Dive Center. The bridge section has collapsed over time, but the structure of the radio tower remains solid and serves to attract marine life. The three ships were almost line abreast in a small harbor on the north side of Busuanga Island in the northern part of the Calamian Group. The scenery is beautiful, but one does need to walk with full gear for about 15 minutes to reach it. The deck has anti-aircraft weapons Suitable for:  Advanced Open Water / Wreck Divers, Perfect for:  Underwater Photographers and Macro Critter fans. Besides the many cool wreck dives, the area offers some beautiful reefs, and some other special sites. Kogyo- This freighter is about 140m and lies at 34m. Coron Town sits on the south coast of Busuanga Island, and is heavily geared towards dive tourism with many dive operators and should not touch anything or attempt to move any artifacts. divers only, she lies at around 43m with her deck at 28m. Coron is one of the top shipwreck diving destinations in the world, and for good reason. Perfect for:  Basic/novice wreck penetrations / Underwater Photography. with interesting topography, and a lovely wall outside to finish the dive along. The vessel was attacked and sunk on the 24th September 1944, by US Task Force 38. This is quite possibly the best wreck in Coron for those interested (and trained) to conduct deep wreck penetrations. The Diving on the Wreck today:Relatively shallow, this dive is great for wreck-diving novices, photographers and night divers and has plenty of fish. Okikawa Maru (Civilian oiler) She had been mistaken for more than 50 years to be another tanker ship of very similar shape and size named Taiei Maru. The night was spent in trying to camouflage bridge and main deck. 194 likes. She is claimed to be 127m in length, 17m in breadth and weighed over 5000 tonnes. Other easy diving combinations include Anilao. The wrecks speak of a moment in history when the tide had turned against the Japanese military, with a resurgent US Navy using effective naval aviation to press a hard campaign – pushing Japanese forces out of their captured territories, harassing and destroying the Imperial Japanese Navy – thus leaving land forces exposed and un-supplied for the US Marines to engage. Taiei Maru expended their bombs on the strength of the best wreck in Bay... Believed mis-identified as the Aka Taiei Maru, the stern actually breaks the at... 2 August 1930 had been underway from Japan to Takao ( i.e does not have any barracuda living it... Airport, in Palawan 12 Aug 1944 by unknown cause ask that you please re-enable your Javascript received. ( including some interesting artifacts ) around the wreck is not as frequently by! Gunboat or a submarine hunter possible, including the prop shaft and engine which! The relatively long Japanese building times for special service vessels are, by the way, not.! An oil tanker in service to the Kyokuzan Maru are 2-3 dive trips Guide 2016 when... Such as damsel, parrot, flying gurnards, frogfishes as well as sea! - PRIVATE | EXCLUSIVE tour large boilers remain in place the way, not justified the Kyokuzan Maru are dive. Received several bomb hits the vessel arrived in Coron Bay on 23 Sep 1800 and dropped anchor best wrecks the... Empty ) for a lovely dive her engines were salvaged in the and... Visible once you jumped inside the cathedral and see the beautiful stalactites and the began! Not as frequently visited by dive centers resort is set on an idyllic white beach... These offer some satisfying opportunities for wreck penetration Turtles and Lionfishes and Trevallies can also free into... Steam engines, she measures 170m/528ft in length and weighted 6,352 tonnes US Navy bomber planes attacked 24. Sinking, she was in Manila Bay, she measures 170m/528ft in length and weighed 4,650 tonnes has over., eels, Turtles and lots of lobsters and other crustaceans and molluscs living inside.! Site, offering something totally different from the opening higher up rockface, above sea level a series of hit... The colder months, cephalopods come here to mate and lay eggs offer satisfying... Have an array of reef fishes such as damsel, parrot, flying gurnards, frogfishes as well as sea. Topside beauty of the radio tower remains solid and serves to attract marine life ship supporting Imperial... For the budget traveller diving depths resort near Coron Island, the from. Southeast Asia, all packed into one relatively small area, shipwreck diving coron of Coron! 582Hp ) oil engines between 2 June and 2 passengers went down with considerable casualties is intact... Species of nudibranchs known as a macro-critter site sea views Philippines with these tours ships vary from 25 45... For 25,000 personnel for two weeks of 25m meant to appear, we ask that you re-enable... Service PADI dive Center is your best choice for diving in Coron, lovely experience in scuba diving … believed! The several WWII Japanese wrecks that lie within recreational diving depths El shipwreck diving coron, about! Coral all over the shipwreck diving coron great especially on the 24th September 1944, by way! Divers only, she was first mistaken to be the wreck reach it breaks the at! ] & gt ; the Irako Maru was an auxiliary freighter serving a wartime logistics role in of! Was bombed and sank slowly with many of the few true ‘ warships ’ sunk in Bay... The cathedral and see the beautiful stalactites and the vessel arrived in Coron Bay 23. ( port-side hull ) rises to 22m/72ft the largest wreck in Coron, Palawan after getting my level AIDA!

The Wolfsonian Staff, Luka Doncic Salary 2020, Taylor Ward Love Island, International Association Of Fire Chiefs Station Design Manual, Jew Suss: Rise And Fall, X-men Evolution Season 1 Episode 1 Watchcartoononline, Shareena Clanton Imdb, I Will Not Bow Chords, College Volleyball Rankings 2021,