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Shane_Currie

The Unkai Maru No 6 was originally built as the SS Venus in England and in about 1921 she was sold to Japan, and renamed the Unkai Maru No 6. On 17 February 1944, the Unkai Maru No 6 was anchored North of Uman Island, about a third of the way towards Eten Island.

During the first day the ship was attacked by Grumman Avenger dive-bombers from Strike 2B from USS Essex and hits on the port side and port quarter were reported. It was reported to be listing to starboard. Later the same day a plane from Yorktown CV10 and USS Bunker Hill CV17 also hit her. A fire was seen to erupt after this attack.

The next day she was again attacked by Dauntless dive-bombers from the USS Essex with two direct hits on the bow and three hits on the rest of the ship.

Unkai Maru No.6 is on fire and smoking heavily

Wreck Description

Today the Unkai Maru No 6 lies upright on a sandy bottom. The depth to the sand is about 40 metres and the decks 23 to 25 metres, shallower on the bridge.

The holds were full of bottles and shoes. Nice bow gun, one of the anchors is out and the other is still hanging close to the bow.  The main funnel has fallen over and is lying on the deck facing towards the stern.

My UWATEC Aladdin Air Dive Profile for the Unkai Maru September 27th 2001

My UWATEC Aladdin Air Dive Profile for the Unkai Maru April 29th 2003