Chuuk, (formerly known as Truk till 1990) is an island group in the south western Pacific Ocean, and is one of the four states that make up the Island Republic of Micronesia.
Chuuk has perhaps one of the most diverse and interesting histories for an Island of its size. Being colonized originally by the Spanish, then German and finally the Japanese before finally being liberated but under US administration after World War 2, Micronesia is a diverse blend of different cultural influences.
During World War II, Truk Lagoon (Chuuk) was the Empire of Japan’s main base in the South Pacific theatre. A significant portion of the Japanese naval fleet was based here. In 1944 during World War –II, the United States executed Operation Hailstorm that was one of the most important naval battles of the war at Truk. Twelve Japanese warships, thirty-two merchant ships and 249 aircraft were destroyed, in the fighting that ensued, converting the pristine waters of Truk Lagoon into a war ship wreck graveyard overnight.
With over 40 divable wrecks, rich in history and fascinating stories, Chuuk is known by Scuba Divers as the Wreck Diving capital of the world. Most of the wrecks are within recreational Scuba diving depths and several are penetrable. There are periscopes, jeeps, WWII Airplanes, cargo crates and all kinds of artifacts strewn about or tucked away inside the cargo holds of these vessels. Some wrecks still contain live ammunition, bombs and torpedoes, and the Micronesia government has strict policies preventing the removal of any of the artifacts from the wrecks and has declared the area and underwater museum. Eight airplane wrecks of Japanese Zeros, as well as other aircraft that were ditched or crash-landed into the sea are now fascinating dive sites. Though the soft coral has taken hold of most of these aircraft and ship wrecks, most of the wrecks are quite intact and well preserved.
The Fujikawa Maru, an armed aircraft cargo ferry, is perhaps one of the most beautiful wrecks in Chuuk . This 433 foot vessel was struck by several torpedoes mid-ship in 1944, and sunk in 112ft (34m) of water with its superstructure just 30ft (9m) from the surface. The Fujikawa Maru is a site that will require multiple dives to truly experience. There are several A6M Zero aircraft completely intact alongside guns and ammunition inside its cargo holds, that didn’t get destroyed when it sunk. The ship is covered with an abundant growth of soft & hard corals, as well as anemones that cover the ship’s bow & stern guns.
The best way to experience Chuuk is by Liveaboard, and the Truk Odyssey is perhaps Chuuk’s finest Liveaboard. Leisurepro Travel has a great Dive Holiday package for Scuba Divers wishing to experience the wrecks of Chuuk, onboard the Odyssey and Includes 7 nights accommodations aboard Truk Odyssey transfers to and from airport, up to 5 dives daily. The Odyssey geared for both recreational as well as technical diving, covers all of the best diving sites of Chuuk, and will give you an unforgettable experience of diving the wrecks of this lagoon.
photos from LeisurePro Travel & flickr by: mattk1979
