wreck

Log This Dive

TOZAN MARU

The Tozan Maru, for us, is a perfect introduction to the Coron wrecks, especially if you’re not quite ready for the deeper stuff. This isn't a 40-meter monster; she starts practically at the surface, which we love for the sheer accessibility and light. She ran aground in '69, split in two, and now the stern section lies on its side, draped in soft corals. We often start shallow, finning along the collapsed hull plates, spotting lionfish tucked into every crevice. The engine room is a highlight, quite open to the light, making penetration feel less daunting. Inside, you’ll see scattered machinery, and often a few resident groupers eyeballing you from the shadows. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs on the encrusted metalwork. The forward section, now largely broken up, still offers interesting swim-throughs and a chance to appreciate how the reef is slowly reclaiming this history. It’s ideal for photographers, too – that shallow depth means longer bottom times and fantastic ambient light.