
Diver gh0stdot captured amazing underwater images in the ghostly wreckage. This is a light tank on the deck of the San Francisco Maru at about 50m depth in Truk Lagoon. Photo #1 by © gh0stdot

Let’s back up and show you where you are with an aerial shot taken while flying over Chuuk in south western part of the Pacific Ocean. Chuuk is the new name for an island group which formerly were known separately as Truk, Ruk, Hogoleu, Torres, Ugulat, and Lugulus. Chuuk is part of the Federated States of Micronesia. Photo #2 by Matt Kieffer

This photo is of Truk Blue Lagoon Resort. The beautifully clear blue Pacific water beckons to the curious to visit the underwater museum, whispering to wreck divers to descend to one many wrecks littering the seabed which makes this a wreck diver’s paradise. Photo #3 by Matt Kieffer

Now we’ll go dive into the shark-infested waters and go wreck diving, courtesy of gh0stdot. This is a panorama of the Yamagiri Maru. Truk Lagoon, Micronesia. The diver appears tiny next to the shipwreck. Photo #4 by © gh0stdot

This is inside the Yamigiri Maru – maximum depth 32m. These amazing views are something most people will never see in real life. Photo #5 by © gh0stdot

More exploring inside the Yamigiri Maru – max depth 32m – Truk, Micronesia. Photo #6 by © gh0stdot

The Kawanishi Emily flying boat. Photo #7 by © gh0stdot

The Betty Mitsubishi Attack bomber in Truk lagoon at 20m deep. Photo #8 by © gh0stdot

Meanwhile during scuba diving in Truk Lagoon, wreck divers must always be alert for other dangers besides those inside shipwrecks and downed planes. According to verethragma, the photographer, this is “Sharka Kahn: A grey reef shark. One of very many in the water at the time. And they were NOT fed to attract them…” Photo #9 by © verethragma

A truck in a hold of the San Francisco Maru at 50m depth in Truk Lagoon. We think the ghostly remains are eerily cool, yet creepy, but the photographer gh0stdot noted, “It was a tad dark in there, though, so it is hellish grainy. I do not usually take photos so deep, so I am pleased to have got anything at all in my fuzzy mental state. Nitrogen narcosis is quite strong breathing air at that depth.” Photo #10 by © gh0stdot

Matt Kieffe captured this shot of corals on the mast of the Sankisan Maru. Besides the massive graveyard of WWII shipwrecks, Truk Lagoon offers divers a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes of hard and soft corals. There are also diverse and eye-catching marine life in the shark-infested waters. Photo #11 by Matt Kieffer

The San Francisco Maru in Truk Lagoon. 65m to the seabed. Photo #12 by © gh0stdot

gh0stdot wrote, “Suspiciously placed gasmasks in the hold of the Nippo Maru at about 40m.” Photo #13 by © gh0stdot

Skull of a Japanese sailor inside one of the wrecks of Truk Lagoon from Fujikawa Maru. Josh Gates of Destination Truth took his recorded underwater ghostly noises to Jay and Grant of Ghost Hunters . . . adding weight for some to the claim that the Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon is haunted. Photo #14 by Apiquet

Now for the skeptics: “Tractor & Ghost in Hokai Maru, Truk Lagoon.” Photographer Don Barnett noted, “The ghostly fluid is probably aviation gas that still leaks from hundreds of barrels on the freighter where this was taken.” Photo #15 by © Don Barnett

The bridge of the Nippo Maru. Photo #16 by © gh0stdot

The bow of the Unkai Maru in Truk Lagoon, Micronesia. Photo #17 by © gh0stdot

Light tanks on the deck of the San Francisco Maru at a depth of about 46m. With these amazing photos, it’s not hard to see why this area is known as the best shipwreck diving destination in the world. Photo #18 by © gh0stdot

There are all kinds of beauty waiting on divers at the undersea wonder of the world Truk Lagoon. Anemone Fish on the deck of the Yamagiri Maru. Photo #19 by Matt Kieffer

Watch out for rusted wrecked metal and wicked fins while scuba diving and exploring the Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon. Photo #20 by © verethragma

“Heaven peeps through the blanket of the dark.” Swimming up the funnel of the Unkai Maru. Photo #21 by © gh0stdot

Photographer Matt Kieffer noted that this was from the “Kiyuzumi Maru – resting almost evenly on her port side about 600 yards from Fefan Island.” Fefan Island is the third largest inhabited island within the Truk Lagoon in the Federated States of Micronesia. Photo #22 by Matt Kieffer

Commemorative plaque on the deck of the Fujikawa Maru. Photo #23 by Apiquet

Zeros in the hold of the Fujikawa Maru. Photo #24 by © gh0stdot

The Betty Mitsubishi Attack bomber in Truk lagoon at 20m deep. Photo #25 by © gh0stdot

Inside the Betty Mitsubishi Attack bomber. Mysterious Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon – 20m deep. Photo #26 by © gh0stdot

gh0stdot captured this panorama of the Kawanishi Emily flying boat. Photo #27 by © gh0stdot

Anemone seen during an underwater exploration adventure among Truk Lagoon’s famously well-preserved shipwrecks. Photo #28 by Angell Williams

Corals along the mast of the Sankisan Maru. Photo #29 by Matt Kieffer

The bow gun of the San Francisco Maru at about 50m depth in Truk Lagoon. Photo #30 by © gh0stdot

Heian Maru. Photo #31 by Matt Kieffer

Leaving a hold of the Yamagiri Maru. The wreck lies on its side. Photo #32 by © gh0stdot

Sunset on Chuuk. We hoped you enjoyed this surreal virtual wreck diving adventure at Truk Lagoon, Micronesia. A special thank you to the amazing photographers who allowed us to show off their photos. Photo #33 by Matt Kieffer
Thank you for posting these beautiful pictures. As spectacular as the photographs are, I can only imagine what it must be like to be there in person =)
i agree, it makes me wonder how it feels to experience being in these places. some are enchanting while some are mysterious and a bit scary to me
Very impressive, I like it
Stumbled Upon these and wow what incredible images! Congrats to the divers. Someday I hope to dive the Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon!
Beautiful! Will pass these on to my diver friends!!
Beautiful collection of awesome underwater treasure
As an old diver I envy your exploits. I”m sure it was an eerie experience to be down where so many people died. You don’t suppose that anything remained sealed up after all these years? The AVE gas seems to be. I wonder if some bulkheads or tank could have made it, I bet some place there is an air pocket with something in it. Just a thought. These are great photos. Really exciting to me. I think at one time it was called ” Iron Bottom Bay ” Well Done !!
Charles
These pictures are awesome.
Charles you’re thinking of “Iron Bottom Sound” which was between Savo Island and Guadalcanal.
Iron Bottom Sound was a name that was applied to the Battle of Savo Island off Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands on August 9, 1952, not Truk Lagoon.
Hi, I have dived Truk Lagoon some thirty years ago while living in the Solomon Islands, where Iron Bottom Sound is actually located. It is the stretch of water at the southern end of The Slot between Guadalcanal and Savo Island. Lots of wrecks but mostly too deep, so cannot compare to Truk. Patrick
I traveled in Micronesia as a youth (1979) but never made it to Truk, though I met several people from there who told me of the islands. Still a ‘tropical paradise’ I see & am glad for it. Hope to be able to visit again some day. Wonderful photography & thanks to you all for the risks you had to take to get these amazing photos.
I must confess these are some of the most interesting pictures I’ve seen for a long time. Loved it !
These images are both poignant, and extremely impressive.
Its hard to believe that war ever touched the shore of such a beautiful place. Thank you for the photo’s.
Amazing pictures, the photos of the tanks and planes in particular, as well as the gas masks gives an excellent perspective to this often overlooked battleground.
I gotta say you’ll have some great memories of these fleet. Love the pix, missing the islands..
[…] Wreck Diving the Mysterious Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon [33 PICS] A photo-filled National Geographic story on the wrecks of Truk I read as a kid is probably part of what got Murdoc interested in ships and naval history. […]
Great photos, I know the depths some of these were taken at. I’m not really big on wrecks, though. The military would like us to think they are doing a great service by creating “artificial reefs” but they are really just dumping their garbage so they don’t have to deal with it. Yes I know Truk is the aftermath of war and therefore different. Glamorizing war is another sore subject for me.
I think wrecks are ugly and can be extremely dangerous, with collapsing structures, jagged rusty spikes, silt which clouds visibility etc.
This is one dive I’ll skip, but thanks for sharing.
fucking queer
[…] mentioned before my love of shipwreck photos. Â Well, today I have a link to photos from the Truk lagoon, which is a WWII graveyard of 60 ships and 245 aeroplanes (and […]
[…] Wreck Diving the Mysterious Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon [33 PICS] Jun 4, 2011 … Tagged bizarre, Chuuk, diving, Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon, island, nature, photos, pics, pictures, … […]
What a great reminder. I dove Chukk in December 2006. The memories this brought back were wonderful. Blue Lagoon is a wonderful resort. Thank you for this run down memory lane.
This is one of my bucket list dives – thanks for sharing – great pics
I’m also exploring decayed building, but this is just amazing! There’s almost no one who have seen these wrecks like you guys. That must be something really special.
The photos are almost unreal such beauty of decay. Amazing!!!
amazing. loved it.
Thank you MATT for showing me the things that only a privileged few will ever see!!!!
precious pictures….
Great shots. I just got my first underwater housing and haven’t taken it out yet. These shots make me wanna go NOW!
Only one word Awesome!
Hauntingly beautiful. Wow. Thank you for sharing these incredible images.
These pictures are beautiful… thank you for sharing them. It breaks my heart to see so much and know how many lives last knew that place in consciousness… God bless any souls that may still remain there.
Amazing photos. What a trip that must of been. The sun sets were awsome.
Great idea for a post.Thank you!
When I lived on Guam in the late 80’s I was lucky enough to go on a diving trip to Truk and it was one of the most amazing trips of my life! I did not have an underwater camera and you just gave me the gift of a lifetime with these amazing photos that take me back so clearly to such a memorable event in my life. Thank you so very much!!
Wow, For my six year old to sit there and admire ur photos its just very impressive..
amazing pics. THANK YOU
[…] Wreck Diving the Mysterious Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon [33 PICS] […]
Wow, I’ve always thought underwater photos were a bit eerie — these ones seriously live up to that belief.
These are amazing. Very striking, breathtaking, and very, very solemn.
Thank you!
The beautiful tranquility of the site contradicts the ear shattering violence that placed them there
Impressive!!!
[…] Die versunkene Geisterflotte von Micronesien. […]
[…] diving the mysterious ghost fleet of Truk […]
What camera was used for making such beautiful pictures?
Phenomenol, tragic, sad, mysterious, i am simply speechless. the events that caused this more than horrible but close to 70 years later leaves an almost magical image. rest in peace to the brave souls of WWII who had no idea what they were in for.
I remember the battle.
I am a student striving to become an underwater photographer. I was curious of where (if you did) go to college for underwater photography and any insight you had on the subject of underwater photography?
I dove Truk in 1977 with my buddy and my old Nikonos underwater camera and flash. I have about 400 Kodachrome slides but your work puts mine to shame, thanks to modern technology. Thank you for the excursion.
Astonishing images,thank you.
[…] Wreck Diving the Mysterious Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon [33 PICS] Inside the Betty Mitsubishi Attack bomber. Mysterious Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon – 20m deep. […]
[…] Diver gh0stdot captured amazing underwater images in the ghostly wreckage. Wreck Diving the Mysterious Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon […]
Been there, done that in 1997 with Rec Dive from Michigan. An awesome experience to dive on about ten of the sunken ships. Remember well gliding down to sit in the cockpit of a Zero on the deck
of one ship. These pictures brought back so many memories, all wonderful. We did not see many sharks however. That came in Palau. We spent an afternoon on Truk with Kimmio, the chief who took
us on a tour of the Japanese facilities (hospital, bunkers, airstrip, housing for troops, etc.)
Kimmio was a young man in 1944 and watched as the ships sunk during the three days. He marked the
locations as best he could and he would start a dive operation there later and take divers on tours.
Needless to say, these photos are amazing. We took underwater video, but much of it was iffy thanks
to a lot of detritous in the water and visibility not great. I understand that many of the ships are not longer diveable due to disintegrations. We saw a lot of saki bottles in the officers quarters and Asahi beer. Officers quarters had beautiful shower and bathroom tiles with blue on white oriental designs. Good divin’ mates!
Cool and beautiful photos
Truk Lagoon is one of my bucket list dive destinations. I have been so inspired since reading an article in a dive magazine years ago. I am so looking forward to one day diving those wrecks below in Truk.
Amazing images! I am sitting here with my 5 year old son and both of us are amazed with this work.
What amazing photographs. You really get the sense of what it might be like down there. Great clarity in the images and interesting composition keeps you interested.
WOW!! absolutly breath taking, makes me want to leave work and go on a dive trip with the buds back home
Amazing photographs.
[…] Wreck Diving the Mysterious Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon [33 PICS] […]
This looks awesome. I wonder if there’s buried treasure down here!
[…] Diving the Mysterious Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon [33 PICS] Tweet via http://www.lovethesepics.com/2011/06/wreck-diving-the-mysterious-ghost-fleet-of-truk-lagoon-33-pics/ faved by inigem329 /**/Tags: Diving, Fleet, Ghost, Lagoon, Mysterious, Pics, Truk, WreckLeave a […]
Wow these pictures are amazing. I’ve never been able to scuba but it seems like something everyone should try.
Gr8 man … really like it .. thanks
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[…] Wreck Diving the Mysterious Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon [33 PICS] Diver gh0stdot captured amazing underwater images in the ghostly wreckage. This is a light tank on […]
Seeing these comments and replies about the shipwrecks back in Chuuk that make me want to say this,as they seen the beauty outside the wrecks but if you seen inside show no life and you can tell even the fish are scared to live in and it shows you what the fish know or whatever could cause them in great danger as we humans will do the same without these wrecks it would be a great place for the fish to lay eggs and live in a healthy clean place.It would also be a future place for the Chuukese people who depends on this wild life in the ocean in this beautiful lagoon in Chuuk.
Most are waaaaaayyyyy too creepy but, loved the coral.
[…] Wreck Diving the Mysterious Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon [33 PICS] […]
I dove many of these wrecks in Truk Lagoon in the mid-70’s. I couldn’t afford an underwater camera or housing at the time, so am enthralled by these photos – they bring back so many memories!! These are among the best dive photos I’ve ever seen from the wrecks.
I dove the Fujikawa Maru for both a day and night dives – astounding and once in a lifetime stuff. My dive log is full of wreck names and impressions. These photos bring so much of that back to life for me – ironic as it’s now known as the Ghost Fleet.
[…] to camp, hike, bike, kayak, para-sail, hang-glide, para-glide, windsurf, farm taro, surf, snorkel, dive, suntan or walk along the beach paradise. Photo #7 by Wally […]
Superb. Thank You.
[…] Federated States of Micronesia, Chuuk. Photo #25 by Dr. Dwayne Meadows, […]
Great pix! I just dove the Blue Grotto on Saipan and Truk is next!
What strikes me about these pics is the majesty of nature – turning a hellish nightmare into what seems like a Gothic fairy tale. Or Carl Sandberg’s poem – I am the Grass – I cover all….
[…] Nitrogen narcosis is quite strong breathing air at that depth.” Photo #10 by © gh0stdotSource: http://www.lovethesepics.com/2011/06/wreck-diving-the-mysterious-ghost-fleet-of-truk-lagoon-33-pics/ […]
O God no words to describe the awesomeness! The one who captured those moments in photos, Hats off to him!
Thanks for the great job of underwater photography. Not easy to perform at 150 feet plus. I hope to dive truk at some time.
[…] Historic battlefield photography isn’t just limited to Europe – the forgotten war zones of the Pacific, both on land and beneath the waves, are fertile ground for artists and their cameras. The famous Truk Lagoon in Micronesia is a popular setting for this genre. Seventy years ago, the anchorage was a major naval base for the Imperial Japanese Navy. The natural harbour, which is hemmed in by hundreds of miles of coral reef north of New Guinea and the Solomons, was so well-protected, the Americans dubbed it the Gibraltar of the Pacific. The base housed much of the Japanese fleet and included five runways, several submarine pens and deep-water slips for aircraft carriers, heavy cruisers and battleships. In February of 1944, the U.S. Navy attacked Truk Lagoon in a combined air and sea operation. During the raid, dubbed Operation Hailstone, 15 Japanese warships were sent to the bottom along with more than 30 merchant ships and supply vessels that were carrying everything from tanks and trucks to field guns and infantry equipment. Following the strike, the Japanese abandoned the island, pulling their forces closer to home waters. Since then, the seabed there has been a silent tomb strewn with shipwrecks and debris. The forgotten wreckage teems with marine life and has long since been overgrown with plants and coral. Divers and thrill seekers flock to Truk Lagoon each year to explore and capture images the wartime debris and visit with these ghosts of the past. The photography site LoveThesePics.com recently showcased an assortment of images of Truk Lagoon, the largest ship graveyard in the world. Check them out here. […]
I was a Peace Corps Volunteer Stationed on Tol or Wada in Trukese from 1966 through 1968. I was assigned to the island of Tol or Wada in Trukese. There were some hardships; No cars, bars or electricity at least at that time. It was a lush beautiful island. Sun rose at 6 am every day and set at 6 pm every evening. Warmest part of the day was at noon in the tropics. I did some snorkeling but Always had to be aware of sharks due to the sunken Japanese ships close by.
We were stationed on chuck to teach English as a second language. Lots of breadfruit coconuts and fish. We went barefoot for two years. no sidewalks, cars, bars or electricity. Leather shoes rotted very quickly and tennis shoes caused horrible foot problems. Went barefoot for two years.
Did some snorkeling but due to all the sunken Japanese shipping, sharks were everywhere. Had a shark
go between my legs while I wadded on the coral reef. Very abrasive to my legs.
Overall a vary rewarding experience
Awesome photos thanks for sharing
I had the pleasure of diving there in the mid 80’s while assigned at Guam. Luckily the water was clear after a typhoon had passed. Beautiful views above and below.
[…] Wreck Diving the Mysterious Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon [33 PICS] Lost Underwater Lion City: Rediscovery of China’s ‘Atlantis’ Beyond Gorgeous: Great Barrier […]
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Thanks for the amazing pictures —- I’m amazed at how beautiful they are!
I had the great pleasure of going to Truk Lagoon in the late 1980’s with a group of friends for a full week of wreck diving and found it to be the Super Bowl of my diving experiences. One evening, we watched a film from the gun cameras of an F6 Hellcat shooting down a Japanese fighter in the process of lifting off from one of the airstrips. The next morning we dived on that very same airplane. What a marvelous diving experience. Memories for a lifetime. We also dived on the submarine Shinaharu I-69 at 160 feet and witnessed the cables the Japanese used to try to save the trapped sailors. Sad.
[…] Wreck Diving the Mysterious Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon […]
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Some years ago a friend went on several dives at Truk Harbor. There, he and his group photographed a lot more military (warship) wrecks that are not shown here. Where it is interesting to see the tanks and aircraft on the bottom, I would expect to see more, considering Truk was the Pearl Harbor version for the Japanese.
What a coincidence, my friend and Doctor is planning a visit to Truk Island this week, i’m sending this photo representation to give him a “preview” of what’s in store for the group. I thank you for sharing this presentation with me, is is fantastic, I’d love to visit there myself.
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After completion of my Residency in Otolaryngology/ Head and Neck Surgery, I was stationed at the 1000 Bed Army Hospital in Honolulu from 1968—1971 during the Vietnam War. I along with a group of Military Doctors and some Local Docs in Honolulu went to the new hospital at Truk Lagoon to help train some Fiji Island Docs there. I recall we spent about two weeks there giving lectures and making rounds.
There were no dive shops, but a unit of Navy Seabees stationed there happened to have plenty of air and equipment for Scuba diving. I made several dives on the shipwrecks with them. I remember seeing schools of Barracuda and several sharks, aircraft parts etc . It apparently was before the ban on removing anything from the ships as I brought back several pieces of Japanese Navy china plates and bowls along with a sake bottle, which was empty.
Thanks for the article by Larry Cohen “Japanese Ship Wrecks of Truk Lagoon” along with “Wreck Diving the Mysterious Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon” and “Truk Lagoon Diving”—they have brought back many pleasant memories.
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[…] the Hoki Maru, the divers recorded sounds of running engines in the cargo hold full of trucks. | source | image […]
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Amazing images from another world and dimension!!!