Heian Maru
Length 510ft Beam 66ft 11,616 tons
Two B&W Diesel engines Driving Twin Props
Heian Maru was built in 1930 as a large passenger cargo liner. Her routine voyage was Hong Kong to Seattle. On her maiden voyage across Pacific Ocean she set a new trans Pacific record. While on a voyage in August 1941, she was abruptly recalled to Japan. Upon her return the Japanese Navy took control of her. She was converted into a submarine tender.
On February 17th 1944 Heian Maru was at anchor in the lagoon when a dive-bomber from USS Yorktown hit her near the bow. Two SB2CS from USS Bunker hit her with two 1000lb bombs but a 1600lb missed. The following day two planes from USS Bunker Hill scored near misses, later that day she was hit by an Avenger torpedo bomber also from USS Bunker Hill. The torpedo struck the engine room amidships Heian Maru sank quickly.
Heian Maru now rests on her side at a depth of 33 to 36 m with the top of her hull being at 12 m. Heian Maru is the largest ship in the lagoon, she has a large engine room. In the second hold there are torpedo bodies recognisable by the twin propellers. Lifting apparatus and chains that were part of the system used to move the torpedoes in and out of the storage space.
Along the promenade deck level champion way aft of the bridge there are nine 50ft long submarine navigational and attack periscopes laying side by side. In the aft hold you can find large timber crates and other items. From there you can swim around the stern to the two large propellers. Like all ships in the lagoon at this depth she is covered in hard and soft coral and has good fish life on her
