While we were snacking Thursday mid-morning, the crew was at work, moving us to the Shinkoku Maru, where we would spend the rest of the day.

She was a large oiler (10,020 tons, over 500 feet long) and is lying upright in about 140 feet of water north of Param Island.

She started her life carrying crude oil from the U.S.A. to Japan in the 1930s. Refitted as a fleet oiler, she was one Pearl Harbor Survivor who didn't make it to the end of the war!

Torpedoed once and repaired, she was heavy with oil when bombed as part of Operation Hailstone. The flash fire and rapid sinking cost many lives. Bones may still be found in the silt.

A hole in the engine room makes penetration possible for novice wreck divers (with a guide). The "dark and spooky tour" as it is called, provides a look at the engine room. Be careful - this is a deep, interesting dive and the no-decompression limits sneak up very quickly.

This very photogenic transfer pump is one of many object to attract a photographer's attention.

A short swim from the engine room is the machine shop, complete with a very picturesque electric light.

In 2002, we found out that the elements (with or without divers' help) have broken the lamp, so this photo is a classic!

Continue the Truk Lagoon tour