Akitsushima

The IJN Akitsushima was a unique vessel in the Imperial Japanese Navy fleet. Commissioned in 1942, she was a seaplane tender specifically designed to carry and service the massive H8K 'Emily' flying boats. Her most prominent feature was a huge 35-ton crane mounted on the stern, which was used to lift the giant aircraft from the water for maintenance and repairs. This capability made her a valuable and high-priority asset during the Pacific War.

On September 24, 1944, the Akitsushima was anchored in Coron Bay, Philippines, when she was caught in a massive air raid by US Navy aircraft from Task Force 38. The ship was hit by bombs and strafing fire, which ignited her fuel stores. A catastrophic explosion followed, tearing the vessel apart and sending her to the bottom almost instantly. The Akitsushima sank with significant loss of life, becoming one of several Japanese ships to meet their end in Coron Bay that day.

Today, the Akitsushima is considered the crown jewel of wreck diving in Coron. The 118-meter-long warship lies on its port side at a depth of 36 meters. Divers can explore its ghostly remains, including the colossal crane which now lies on the seabed beside the hull. Anti-aircraft guns are still in their mounts, and the massive engine room offers a thrilling penetration for experienced wreck divers. The entire structure is encrusted with coral and swarmed by marine life, transforming a tomb of war into a vibrant underwater monument.