Bikini Atoll
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Bikini Atoll WRECK PARADISE Only a handful of people will get to ✤ The wreck paradise of the Pacific experience diving in Bikini Atoll! Ocean Post-WW2, the US military tested the effects of different ✤ 250 aircraft wrecks atomic bombs on battleships, submarines, destroyers and the ✤ 60 ship wrecks famous USS Saratoga aircraft carrier. The region only opened ✤ Sharks and mantas to divers as recently as 1996 so the wrecks are naturally ✤ World War II history abundant with all marine life and history in unison! +45 24938468 +46 30122100 www.blueotwo.com [email protected] Bikini Atoll - A wreck paradise Nowhere else can you dive such a fantastic collection of wrecks, including battleships, submarines, destroyers, and most notably the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. Over 60 years later, the nuclear ghost fleet (as these wrecks are known) rest in crystal blue waters that have since become home to an abundance of marine life with thriving reefs and corals. Diving in Micronesia Spread across over seven million square kilometres of the Western Pacific Ocean, Micronesia is a subregion of Oceania known to be one of the most remote and beautiful places on earth. Micronesia is comprised of several sovereign countries including the Federated States of Micronesia (often referred to as Micronesia for short) which includes Truk Lagoon and the Republic of the Marshall Islands which includes Bikini Atoll. Friendly and peaceful, Micronesia encompasses thousands of small islands north of the equator that is home to a cultural and biological diversity that is unrivalled anywhere. Micronesia is made up of seven diverse nations and while there is a shared Micronesian cultural history, some areas feel closer ties other areas of influence including Polynesia, the Philippines and Southeast Asia. During the eras of WWI and WWII, many of these nations were divided between the United States, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom; the evidence of which can still be seen above and below the water. +45 24938468 +46 30122100 www.blueotwo.com [email protected] The Vessel... M/V Truk Master joined the Master Liveaboards luxury fleet in 2016 providing divers the opportunity to explore one of the most exclusive diving destinations in the world, Bikini Atoll. She features en-suite bathroom facilities and individually controlled air-conditioning. The main deck enjoys a spacious indoor dining room along with a camera station complete with numerous charging points and storage space. Unwind and relax after a fantastic day of diving in M/V Truk Master's indoor lounge and bar with a plasma screen which is ideal for movie and photo viewing. Alternatively, why not head out to the shaded outdoor relaxation area or the large sundeck and sink into a lounge chair to soak up the atmosphere. The vessel benefits from a large dive deck with individual set up stations, under-bench storage and camera table with a large entry platform to the rear of the vessel. This fantastic new vessel will also be able to cater for recreational, technical and rebreather divers. +45 24938468 +46 30122100 www.blueotwo.com [email protected] Diving Highlights: USS Saratoga: The signature dive of Bikini Lagoon is the USS Saratoga CV-3 Lexington-class aircraft carrier, one of only 3 diveable carriers in the world. At 270 metres (888ft) long and 29 metres (95ft) wide, this 39,000-ton warship rests in Bikini Lagoon at a depth of 52 meters. Her bridge is easily accessible at 18 metres depth, her flight deck at 28 metres, and the hanger for the Helldivers at 32 metres. These Helldivers and bombs are still on display complete with all dials and controls. Interestingly, the Japanese reported her sunk 7 times during World War II; while she did suffer damage on multiple occasions during the war, the Saratoga only sank after her second nuclear bomb test in Bikini Lagoon in 1946. HIJMS Nagato: Launched in 1919 by the Imperial Japanese Navy, the Nagato was the lead ship in her class and often served as flagship during WWII. With a cruising speed of 26.5 knots and an armament including 41 cm (16 inch) guns, the Nagato was one of the most powerful and versatile warships in the world at that time. She measures 221 metres (725ft) in length and 29 metres (95ft) wide with a crew of over 1700 men. Although damaged in the war, the Nagato was the last surviving Japanese battleship and was seized for nuclear testing after the Japanese surrendered. She rests almost completely upside down at depths of 40-52 meters. USS Arkansas: An American dreadnought launched in 1911, measuring 171 metres (562 ft) long, armed with twelve 12-inch guns and capable of a top speed of 20.5 knots. The USS Arkansas served in both WWI and WWII; escorting convoys in the Atlantic and bombarding shore targets during the invasions of Normandy, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Moored only 500 ft. away from the intended atomic bomb detonation in 1946, she was supposedly lifted up vertically within the blast column. She sank completely only 19 minutes after the blast, ending almost completely upside down on the sandy bottom at 55 metres depth. USS Pilotfish: A Balao-class submarine measuring 95 metres (311 ft) in length and 8.3 metres (27 ft) wide, Pilotfish was previously used to perform lifeguard and offensive patrolling duty all over the Pacific. In 1946, the Baker underwater atomic bomb test compressed her hull and forced all the ledges and valves to open, flooding and submersing her completely. USS Lamson: This Mahan-class Destroyer ship was based in Pearl Harbor but avoided damage during the Japanese attack as she was returning to port from patrol duty when the airstrike occurred. With her length of 104 metres, she might not be the biggest of the Bikini wrecks but nevertheless very interesting to explore as she features several guns, torpedoes, bombs and generally provides good access to divers in water with great visibility. Prinz Eugen - Kwajalein Atoll: This German heavy cruiser was surrendered to the British Royal Navy who them gifted it to the US Navy as a war prize. She survived the blasts of Operation Crossroads, even though she was already damaged, and she was towed to Kwajalein where she ultimately capsized and sank to her final resting place in December 1946. Considered one of the best dives around Kwajalein Atoll, the bow section lies in 35 meters of water with a propeller sitting above the surface. +45 24938468 +46 30122100 www.blueotwo.com [email protected] And more…… USS Apogon: A second submarine of the Balao-class that headed straight for Hawaii and the Marshall Islands after her launch in 1943 to patrol areas of the South Pacific and attack enemy (i.e. Japanese) ships. The Apogon lies completely intact at a depth of 48 meters with an average depth of 43 metres. Stern torpedo tubes as well as viewing binoculars on the bridge are still visible, while the propellers are covered in red sponges. USS Carlisle: A Gilliam-class attack support boat, 130 metres (426 ft) long and 18 metres (58 ft) wide that served as merchant vessel transporter within the US Navy in the Second World War. Finished and acquired by the Navy in 1944, she arrived late into the war and was assigned to transport operations; she never participated in any combat situations. She sank in 1946 during the Operation Crossroads, resting upright in the sand at 51 metres depth and her deck at 40 metres, with extensive bomb damage to the starboard hull visible. IJN Sakawa: The Japanese Agano-class light cruiser measured 162 metres (532 ft) long by 15 metres (49 ft) wide and was armed with 'second hand' guns previously fitted on other war ships. She was the only survivor of her class after the war and was surrendered to the United States in 1945 who used her for repatriation duties. She sank after the atomic bomb ''Able'' inflicted major damage, with the second bomb ''Baker'' causing further damage resulting in a flattened appearance midship. It was only in 1992 that this wreck was positively re-identified as Sakawa. USS Saratoga: The signature dive of Bikini Lagoon is the USS Saratoga CV-3 Lexington-class aircraft carrier, one of only 3 diveable carriers in the world. At 270 metres (888ft) long and 29 metres (95ft) wide, this 39,000-ton warship rests in Bikini Lagoon at a depth of 52 meters. Her bridge is easily accessible at 18 metres depth, her flight deck at 28 metres, and the hanger for the Helldivers at 32 metres. These Helldivers and bombs are still on display complete with all dials and controls. Interestingly, the Japanese reported her sunk 7 times during World War II. Kwajalein Atoll: This German heavy cruiser was surrendered to the British Royal Navy who them gifted it to the US Navy as a war prize. She survived the blasts of Operation Crossroads, even though she was already damaged, and she was towed to Kwajalein where she ultimately capsized and sank to her final resting place in December 1946. Considered one of the best dives around Kwajalein Atoll, the bow section lies in 35 meters of water with a propeller sitting above the surface. +45 24938468 +46 30122100 www.blueotwo.com [email protected] Plus …… USS Anderson: The Sims-class destroyer launched in 1939 totalled 106 metres (348ft.) long by 11 metres (36ft) wide. She served at different locations in World War II; she participated in fighting battles in the Atlantic and the Pacific using her machine guns, anti-aircraft missiles and torpedoes, taking down many enemy aircraft.