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X-Ray Mag Issue #53 | March 2013

X-Ray Mag Issue #53 | March 2013

The FActs and viewpoints in this section ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE VIEWS OF x-ray mag. EQUIPMENT PRESENTED IN THIS SECTION HAs NOT BEEN tested BY x-ray MAG STAFF, NOR ARE THE ITEMS warranteEd. information PROVIDED IS CONDENSED from manufacturers’ DESCRIPTIONS. Texts are usually edited for length, clarity and style. Links are active at the time of publication

point & click on bold links fantabulous

Edited by Peter Symes Equipment DX

The DX (D-Ten) is Suunto’s first watch format that is compat- ible as well as offering full open circuit support for recreational and techni- cal diving. The Finnish manufacturer writes that the DX is a ‘non-monitoring’ setpoint dive computer that works to support any rebreather, which in plain Aqvatech language means that it doesn’t get any data from the rebreather. It can LEDs be configured for up to three different diluents. Other rebreather specific op- The Aqvalight is a string of tions include adjustable high and low diodes which can be used setpoints, custom setpoint during dive as marker light for individual and automatic and manual setpoint divers or a . The switching. It is also possible to switch to LEDs and electronics are open circuit mode in case of bailout. embedded in a resin that is www.suunto.com both waterproof and highly resistant to compression generated by at Neptune Space Oceanic depth. The Aqvalight comes in three variant with the G.Divers Mask Pro Plus 3 smallest model, The Quasar, intended to be a personal The Neptune Space G.divers According to Oceanic, a dive computer locator. This can be affixed to Integrated is now should deliver crucial data quickly, without the or the thigh. A wet available in two sizes and four color options confusion and without requiring the user to contact automatically turns (emerald, cobalt, white and pink) and squint. This is why their new Pro Plus model, on the system as the wearer includes an integrated balanced second which has been substantially upgraded from the enters the water. A bigger stage regulator and low pressure hose. PP2, is fitted with a huge display area with arguably models, The Comet, which is The air circulation system is specifically the largest most legible digits on the market. The depth rated to 60m water, has designed to eliminate fogging and reduce user interface has also undergone some major primarily been designed for build-up of CO and CO2. Exhaled air is enhancements to make it more intuitive. The batteries the purpose of clearly marking directed through a valve under the orinasal can be replaced by and a “hot-swap” the point of ascent such as the pocket limiting the mixing of used air with feature allows change of batteries between dives downline making it visible from the fresh air breathed from the regulator. while maintaining all calculations. a distance and in bad viz. oceanreefgroup.com www.oceanicworldwide.com www.aqvatech.it

44 X-RAY MAG : 52 : 2013 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO equipment Aquabotix

Scope out dive locations before going down. The new Aquabotix HydroView Sport is a remote-operated video camera- that sends and records live HD video to an iPad from 30m (100ft) underwater. The HydroView is simply controlled via motion-control on an iPad or the keyboard on a laptop, translating device movements into vehicle action. The vehicle comes standard with a 4 GB memory card. This ensures ten minutes of HD video. Listed price US$3,995.00 includes free shipping within the . www.aquabotix.com DiveAlert SMB LED C-8-T All fogged up? Surfacing on a night dive The C-8-T Drysuit from away from your charter Austrian Camaro Tusa’s TA-200A anti- or in dark open water can combines trilaminate and fog film will keep your be incredibly distressing. neoprene. The legs are favorite mask fog-free The DiveAlert SMB.LED made from a 7mm elastic while diving underwa- incorporates six water tight neoprene lined with ter. Made with long- LED lamps spanning the 65- stretch terry plush. The lasting durable mate- inch length. Driven by two torso is made with a rial, the TA-200A can AAA batteries in a double robust trilaminate. be installed easily o-ring sealed tubular switch, The suit also has an on any two-window the LED’s can be powered integrated long- mask and is reus- up by a simple turn of the sleeved thermoshirt able with proper cap. It is built with 400 Denier made from a ‘SCS care. tusa.com polyurethane coated nylon, Titanium Open Cell and utilizes one-way valve material’, which construction, which prevents air Camaro states offers loss when fully inflated. Coast high flexibility and Guard approved Solas reflective great heat insulation. tape lines the crest of the buoy The zipper is on the front for added visibility day or night. and seals are made from www.divealert.com latex with a neoprene collar. www.camaro.at RS2 Sea-Doo’s new RS2 delivers thrust for a speed of up to 6 km/h (3.7 mph) while being light enough to carry in one hand, weigh- ing in at just 8.6 kg (19 lbs) including battery. It runs on a Lithium-ion battery, which will last for up to 75 minutes with normal use. Recharge takes four hours. PHOTO: DAVID PILOSOF The RS2 is designed to be neutrally buoyant in seawater, and in fresh water, lakes or pools, it will be negatively buoyant. The scooter comes with four ballast and two glide fins. seadooseascooter.com

45 X-RAY MAG : 52 : 2013 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO Know your sensor As all rebreather divers know, sensors have a limited lifespan over which they gradu- ally degrade until they have to be replaced What will you do with with fresh ones, typically after 12-18 months. Exactly when is a judgement call. As your certiication? sensors currently cost around USD 100 each and three are usually required, significant sav- ings can be made if the sensors’ performance can be validated. Enter TEMC’s DE-OX Check, a fully digital analyser with a digital pres- sure transducer that meas- ures the output of up to three oxygen sensors simultaneously in an aluminium pressure cham- ber, which is the black canister shown standing to the right. The oxygen sensor(s) are then hooked up to the analyser’s circuitry and put under pres- sure by means of connecting it to a tank with a known gas and pressure. This gas is fed in via the low-pressure hose coming in from the left. The pressure can then be regulated (up to 10 bar) and eventu- ally releases via the circular release valve seen in the centre. On the display on the main unit, the sensor’s readings are then compared to the known gas and pressure and the level of any discrepancies listed as a percent- age. It is also possible to read the actual response time of each sensor. At BOOT show in in January 2013, this piece of kit was priced at € 765 (~USD 1,000) which is reasonable enough that a group of divers should soon be able to recoup the cost. www.temc.it

Continue your education This also means that the housing is not DivePhone restricted for use with with NAUI Worldwide! DivePhone is a housing and pressure trans- a specific phone model ducer combo for can any kind of mobile but will work with any model device that runs on Android or iOS (iPhone using these operating sys- Operating System) into a programmable dive tems as long as they can fit inside To locate a NAUI near you, visit computer by virtue of an app. It works by hav- the housing. The app can be downloaded from www.naui.org or call 800-553-NAUI (6284). ing an external module with a pressure sensor— either iTunes or App Market. The DivePhone docked on the housing—transmitting data to Housing is tested and rated for use to depths Outside U.S. call 813-628-6284. your smartphone by means of a wireless connec- down to 80 meters. Keep an eye out for an tion and without use of any external connectors. upcoming review of this housing. innovasub.com

46 X-RAY MAG : 52 : 2013 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO Life media —A Guide to Tropical Marine Life This comprehensive guide book Edited by by Brandon Cole and Scott W. Catherine GS Lim Michael covers more than 400 species of fishes that reign in the reefs and open waters. You can make use of more than 800 colour photos in The Pacific Islands this book to find inspiration for your next dive trip. The Explore each coverage is worldwide, and of the four re- each species has details gions of the U.S. like its habitat, range, feed- National Marine ing habits, survival strate- Sanctuary Sys- gies profiled. There are tem with the ex- also sections on inverte- plorers from the brates and algae. Ideal Ocean Futures for divers, naturalists and Society! Based students. on the film series Jean-Michel Cou- Paperback: 616 pages steau: Ocean Ad- The North Publisher: Firefly Books ventures, readers Date: 19 March 2013 can join the crew America ISBN-10: 1770851909 on expeditions into ISBN-13: 978- these unique re- 1770851900 gions, through stun- Dive ning photography and behind-the- Guide scenes stories. This particular edition Although the explores the Pacific author, Michael Islands, which include Fagatele Bay, American Hughes, has Dead Men’s Silver Samoa and Papahanaumokuakea Marine not visited all ­—The Story of Australia’s Greatest Shipwreck National Monument, Northwestern Hawaiian the dive sites featured in this book, Hunter Islands. the information contained within has been gath- ered from dive shop owners, employees and local Get inspired by the story of Australian shipwreck Paperback: 208 pages divers. Armed with this local insight, divers using hunter Hugh Edwards. Even as a young lad, he Publisher: Ocean Publishing this book would be better informed on how to aspired to uncover sunken treasure on the high Date:1 Feb 2013 fully experience all that these dive sites offer. This seas. Contrary to the book’s title, it wasn’t just silver ISBN-10: 0982694040 edition overs all 50 U.S. states, and selected sites that spurred him on. In his career, he has also found ISBN-13: 978-0982694046 in Canada, Mexico and other parts of Durch ducatons, Burgundian crowns, Spanish silver the world. dollars, and of course, ‘pieces of eight’. Pick up this book if you’re game for real-life adventures of a mod- Paperback: 366 pages ern-day treasure hunter. Publisher: C Two C Publications Date: 17 January 2013 Paperback: 416 pages ISBN-10: 0966413032 Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd ISBN-13: 978-0966413038 Date: 10 Feb 2013 ISBN-10: 0732294509 ISBN-13: 978-0732294502

47 X-RAY MAG : 53 : 2013 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO media Rivers & Ponds

Enter the surreal world of freshwater river and ponds through the stunning photography of Emmanuel Lattes. Although sometimes literally at our feet, most of us don’t pause to consider the beauty and life within this freshwater ecosystems. But this need not be the case anymore. With this book at the helm, it is time to take a peek into this fascinating and fragile world.

Paperback: 60 pages Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform Date: 21 January 2013 ISBN-10: 1481952463 ISBN-13: 978-1481952460

Shipwrecks

Two hundred miles north of Singa- pore beneath the waters of the South China Sea lie the remains Narwhals of two British that were sunk during the Second World For most of us, the narwhal War. Author Rod Macdonald is simply an oddly-shaped was invited on a military expe- whale with a long tusk. dition to dive and survey the But this intriguing creature wrecks of the HMS Prince of is more than that. Author Wales and HMS Repulse. The Todd McLeish braves the result is this book, document- Bioluminescence Arctic cold to bring to light ing the loss of these two ships, the true character of the and the stories of the men who Bioluminescence—the emssion of light by living organ- narwhal, through whalers’ served aboard them, along- isms—is actually more common than one may think. logbooks and interviews side specially commissioned Besides fireflies, some bacteria, mushrooms, inverte- with folklorists and historians. illustrations of the wrecks. brates, jellyfish and fishes have the ability to light up. Then, he also explores the This book examines the natural history, evolution, historical trade in narwhal Paperback: 192 pages biochemistry and distribution of these organisms. tusks, their vocalizations, as Publisher: Whittles Publishing Whether it is used for defence, attack or sexual well as the effects of climate Date: 28 Feb 2013 courtship, bioluminescence is an area of research change on the narwhal. ISBN-10: 1849950954 with applications in locating cancer cells, detect- ISBN-13: 978-1849950954 ing microbial contamination in beef and water, Hardcover: 216 pages as well as working out the circuitry in our brains. Publisher: University of Washington Press Hardcover: 208 pages Date: 1 March 2013 Publisher: Harvard University Press ISBN-10: 0295992646 Date: 18 February 2013 ISBN-13: 978-0295992648 ISBN-10: 0674067169 ISBN-13: 978-0674067165

48 X-RAY MAG : 53 : 2013 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO Wreck Junkie Heaven

ChuukText and photos by Brandi Mueller

49 X-RAY MAG : 53 : 2013 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO travel Chuuk

View of Chuuk Island. PREVIOUS PAGE: Diver in interior of Betty plane My dream history lesson includes a tropical Pacific island where I step off a beautiful boat soaked in sunshine the warm Micronesian waters and descend on a cov- ered ship that was part of World War II. This dream and these ships came to life for me during a recent trip aboard the MV Odyssey . Truk , now known as Chuuk, is most certainly one of the world’s greatest destinations. These lush green islands with palm trees and calm blue waters make it almost impossible to fathom the immense battle that took place on the 17th and 18th of February, 1944.

Under Japanese occupation dur- the United States took by , numerous , ing World War II, Truk served as almost complete surprise with two , and other one of the Japanese Imperial days of daytime and nighttime support ships assisting the carriers. Navy’s main bases in the South airstrikes, surface ship actions, Airstrikes, employed fighters, Pacific Theater. Some compared and submarine attacks. Ordered dive bombers and air- it as Japan’s . This by Admiral Raymond Spruance, craft were used in the attacks logistical and operations base Vice Admiral Marc A Mitscher’s focusing on airfields, aircraft, shore for the Japanese Combine Fleet Task 58 included five fleet installations, and ships around the served as the stage for the United carriers (the USS Enterprise, USS Truk anchorage throughout the States’ attack called Operation Yorktown, USS Essex, USS Intrepid, day and night. Many airplanes Hailstone. and the USS Bunker Hill) and four were destroyed as they were una- Known in Japan as Torakku-tō light carriers embarking more than ble to take off, having just been Kūshū (the airstrike on Truk Island), 500 planes. There were also seven delivered off cargo ships and still Coral growth on the wreck of the Sankisan Maru

50 X-RAY MAG : 53 : 2013 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Coral-encrusted mast of the , with the Odyssey hovering overhead; Damselfish; The MV Odyssey; Damselfish looks out from Chuuk travel a sponge on the Fujikawa Maru

being disassembled. Although still a major success for the Americans, just a week before , much of the Japanese fleet’s larger warships were sent to sea to be relocated out of Truk. This was probably due to the base becoming too vulner- able. But even with those ships gone, the Americans sank 12 Japanese warships, 32 merchant ships, and destroyed 249 aircraft. Many of the ships were loaded with supplies to be delivered to other parts of the Pacific and little of the cargo was recovered, thereby hindering the Japanese Navy in the Central and South Pacific and ending Truk as a threat to Allied oper- ations in the Central Pacific. Many ships sank and many lives were lost, but the ships of Truk Lagoon now serve a new purpose under- water. Reborn as artificial reefs, the Arriving very late, wrecks have become covered with and very tired, I marine life and become home to was greeted at schools of fish, anemones, , the airport by sev- and much more. eral pleasant crew The wrecks from the Odyssey of Truk Lagoon who took us to the had been on boat. Much too my ‘must dive’ excited to sleep, I list for years, but laid awake in my Chuuk is a long cabin waiting for way away from morning and our almost every- first wreck. where. Serviced only by United Diving the airlines, a stop wrecks in Honolulu Finally, morn- or Guam is ing came. Breakfast was served and what they’re doing, especially inside required to Captain Nelson gave us the dive the wrecks. Visibility inside the wrecks get to Truk. My deck briefing. He touched on several can go from great to zero quickly flights included important topics concerning diving from bubbles knocking off rust from eight hours these wrecks, the first being that these overhead environments and stray to Honolulu, wrecks were not sunk on purpose. fins can kick up silt leading to low vis- eight more to Unlike many wrecks sunk artificially, ibility situations. These ships, having Guam, and which are cleaned and made safer been underwater for almost 70 years, a thankfully for divers, these are actual sunken are beginning to show their age. For short two-hour warships with potential requir- example, one of the Lagoon’s most flight to Chuuk. ing divers to be aware at all times of famous wrecks, the Fujikawa Maru,

51 X-RAY MAG : 53 : 2013 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO Gas mask (left) and bicycle parts (below) on the Kiyosumi Maru; The Odyssey (right) at the surface over travel a ship mast covered in soft coral Chuuk sengers launched in 1934 and converted into an armed merchant raider in 1941. She participated in the and had been towed to Truk for repairs after being damaged by aircraft bombs. Sunk on her port side, laying in the sand at 31m (100ft), we swam the length of the ship and eventually entered hold #2 through the hole caused by the bomb that sank the ship. Covered in growth, particularly long branched bushes of black coral, jellyfish seemed to be strategically placed around the outside of the ship, as if they guarded it. Originally holding eight guns, all have been removed, but the platforms remain. Our dive guide led us into hold #5 to see parts of two bikes and then hold #6 to see two massive spare propeller blades. Collections of bottles found inside the

ship have been gathered in sever- al places on the outside for divers to see. We also came upon a gas mask that almost looks like you could put it on and use it today.

Yamagiri Maru. The Yamagiri Maru was a 133m (437ft) passenger/ cargo carrier launched in 1939 and converted to a military trans- port ship in 1941. This ship was known for its spectacular engine room Kiyosumi Maru, feels like enter- damaged by two torpedoes in penetration, has had most of its super ing another world. The intact 1943 from the submarine USS Drum structure collapse in the past year, mak- ship body, sitting 12m (40ft) and repaired in Rabaul before sail- ing it dangerous to access its famous below the warm Micronesian ing to Truk and then sank by dive engine room. waters starts to bring to life the bombers from the Yorktown and Before diving each wreck, the battle that took place here. Bunker Hill. Odyssey’s knowledgeable staff gives In Japanese, maru means Sitting at 36m (120ft) with its shal- a thorough briefing about each wreck circle, or round. This name is lowest parts around 18m (60ft), this showing a dive map to recommend given to ships that circle back ship’s most interesting feature is in dive plans, points of interest as well as to where they came from. The hold #5. On their way to be deliv- hazards. They also give incredible history warships did not have that dis- ered to the battleships Yamato about each wreck, discussing each ship’s tinction, as they were sent into and Mushashi were -piercing role before and during the war. battle, not expected to return. shells 45cm (18in) long, weighing The Kiyosumi Maru was a 137m over 3,000 pounds each, which Kiyosumi Maru. Stepping off the Odyessy (450ft) long and 18m (6ft) wide could be hurled 38km. These gun and descending upon our first wreck, the freighter that also carried pas- rounds were for the largest guns Anemonefish on the Fujikawa Maru

52 X-RAY MAG : 53 : 2013 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO wikimedia commons travel Chuuk

only two made-for-war ships sunk in Chuuk, it is a 97m (320ft) Mutuki Class built in 1926 and was in Truk for repairs from an attack by U.S. planes near Rabaul on 4 January tion and respect of the Fujikawa best wreck penetrations, much of 1944. Prior to the Rabaul dam- and other wrecks in the lagoon. the superstructure of the Fujikawa ages, the Fumizuki helped relieve Collections of artifacts from the Maru has collapsed recently, Japanese in the battle inside are gathered on different making it very difficult and poten- of Guadalcanal as part of the parts of the ship including china tially dangerous to enter the “Tokyo Express”. with Japanese brandings. Schools engine room due to its instability. Damaged by bombing during of tuna and smaller fish circled Operation Hailstone, her crew the wreck, and a large barracu- Fumitsuki Destroyer. The Fumitsuki abandoned her when she lost da seemed to be standing guard is a dedicated built for power. They attempted to tow over the bow gun. the Japanese Navy, and has no her to a new anchorage, but Often considered one of the “maru” following its name. One of had not noticed the ship had its

The bow gun of the Fujikawa Maru; The Kiyosumi Maru before the war (top right)

ever made for a ; the ried raw silk and cotton between Still aboard the ship during the largest American battleships had South America and India. attack were three Zero fighter only 40cm (16in) guns. Commissioned into the Japanese planes in cargo hold #2 and a Being a lover of macro ocean Navy in 1940 and outfitted with fourth plane that is possibly an life, I couldn’t help but be 15cm (6in) guns on her bow and A6M “Claude” fighter, the only amazed at all the little creatures stern, she was tasked for trans- known surviving plane of that that could be found making their portation, including the delivery type. The Fujikawa sits upright, homes in these sunken ships. One of aircraft and aircraft parts to and we followed our dive guide second the dive guide would be Pacific islands. from the surface down into cargo pointing out 45cm ammunition Carrying planes to Truk, the hold #2 to see these mostly intact and the next moment I would find Fujikwawa Maru off-loaded 30 planes. In the clear water, the a nudibranch crawling its way B5N2 bombers (Jill planes) which planes looked as if a pilot could sit up across the bow of the WWII lay in pieces on Eten Airfield (Eten in them today and fly right out of wreck. Anemones seem to have Island) during Operation Hailstone. the ocean and back into the air. happily made their homes all over They were unable to help defend We also saw spare wings and fuel the wrecks, and their respective against the Americans. Bombed drums. anemone fish eagerly come up to by air attacks on February 17, Often boasted as one of the look at you, looking back at them. the Fujikawa was still afloat on most beautiful wrecks in the February 18. Essex dive bomb- lagoon, this magnificent ship is Fujikawa Maru. The Fujikawa ers hit the port quarter with a covered in pink and white soft Maru is one of the lagoon’s most 1,000-pound bomb. Finally, two coral, blue sponges, and every famous wrecks. Covered in lush Monterey airplanes attacked and inch of it is covered in differently- coral, this ship was built in 1938 as witnessed a huge explosion and colored marine life. On the deck, a passenger that car- the ship in flames. a plaque dedicates the preserva- Divers swim over the Fujikawa Maru to get a better look at a barracuda

53 X-RAY MAG : 53 : 2013 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO Panel of gauges lies in the sand a few feet travel from the Emily plane Chuuk anchor dropped to avoid drift- The Emily flying ing on the reef. boat was known Sitting between 24-36m for its long range. (80-120ft) this warship still has Nicknamed the intact bow and stern guns and “Flying Porcupine”, it a torpedo launcher. Being built was very difficult to as a warship and not a more shoot down because comfortable passenger ship, it had self-sealing fuel we could immediately tell how and internal fire much more compact the spac- extinguishers. It held es were on the ship. We swam a crew of 16, had a through companionways and 37m (124ft) wingspan looked into crew spaces, which and was 28m (92ft) were noticeably smaller and long. It had four 1850 reduced in size compared to the horsepower Mitsubishi passenger ships. Kasei engines. This particular Airplanes. Some of the more plane was bringing popular airplane wreck dives back the commanding officer trying to land the damaged air- in the Lagoon include the of the Fourth Fleet, his chief of craft, the pilot lost control, and Kawanishi H8K1 “Emily” flying staff and other senior Japanese it crashed and sank. The pilot, boat and the Mitsubishi G4M naval officers from a meeting in admiral and chief of staff sur- “Betty” bomber. Bomber aircraft . U.S. fighters repeatedly vived. were often given female names, attacked, and the pilot still man- An easy wreck to dive at 15m and fighter aircraft were often aged to escape the fighters and (50ft), much of the plane was nicknamed with men’s names. return to Truk. Although, while intact including several propel- lers. Near the plane sat several gauge panels and other air- plane parts. The Betty bomber was a small twin engine plane. The wreck sat in the sand at a depth of 15-18m (50-60ft). Made to be as light as possible, the fuel tanks were unprotected and easily caught fire, making them very vulner- able. This plane crashed while try- ing to land on Eten Island. It is unknown if it was shot down or crashed on its own. The engines are found at about 90m (300ft) in front of the rest of the wreck closer to the island. The plane could hold a crew of seven, had a wingspan of 25m (85ft), was 20m (66ft) long and had four 12.7mm machine guns, one 20mm cannon and one 1750lb bomb.

Octopus (above) takes up residence in part of the Betty plane; Diver swims over the remains of an Emily plane (left)

54 X-RAY MAG : 53 : 2013 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO travel Chuuk

Shinkoku Maru. Yorktown My favorite planes, but wreck in the she did not lagoon—the sink until an Shinkoku Maru— unknown air has become group struck a fantastically the ship with beautiful artificial a torpedo reef. Pink and attack later purple anemones in the day. can be found Planes from all over the top Bunker Hill made six torpedo drops the ship. With the deck. Schools that all missed. superstructure being of fish, big and Sinking upright, the masts used to fairly shallow and small, have pop- be above the water line, but due to so much marine life ulated the ship. possible boat traffic hazards, they and abundant arti- Sitting between were toppled by explosives. The facts gathered on 9-40m (30-135ft), ship was identified by the ship’s bell, the deck, this wreck the 152m (500ft) which was found with the name definitely needs sev- commercial engraved. eral dives to see it tanker was built With the super structure of the all. in 1940. Before Fujikawa Maru collapsing, it’s my the war, it trans- opinion that the engine room tour Hoki Maru. Another ported oil from of the Shinkoku is probably now the lagoon favorite the United States best in the lagoon. My dive guide is the Hoki Maru to Japan. took me into the ship through the due to her cargo. Its name smoke stacks that start around 18m Construction equip- meaning “divine (60ft). Headed straight down to ment and vehicles country”, it was around 33m (110ft), one can exit the are found in hold requisitioned by the Japanese Navy ship through the torpedo hole at 41m #5 including intact into a naval tanker in 1941. She (135ft) in the bottom port stern. We trucks, tractors, a participated in the attack on Pearl came out the torpedo hole, looked steamroller and two Harbor. up at the massive ship and went bulldozers. The trucks Minor damage to the Shinkoku back in through the hole to tour the have right hand occurred on 17 August 1942 when engine room, generator rooms and steering wheels, and

the ship was torpedoed by the other areas inside the wreck. the tractor looks simi- submerged.co.uk U.S. submarine Gudgeon and was Along with the fantastic penetra- lar to a John Deere wikimedia commons repaired. Arriving to Truk only three tion, this ship has prolific and abun- model. in 1921. Seized by the Japanese in CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Shinkoku Maru; Anemonefish in days before the carrier strikes on dant marine life. Schools of batfish Originally named the Hauraki, 1942, it was renamed the Hoki Maru. large anemone on the wreck of the Shinkoku Maru; Artifact 14 February 1944, it is thought she are found along the top deck, and this ship was a British/New Zealand She was used for special transport. on the Shinkoku Maru wreck; Diver at davit on the Hoki Maru; received a bomb hit amidships by several sharks were seen passing cargo and passenger ship launched Sitting around 49m (160ft) in the Truck on the Hoki Maru; Historical image of the Hoki Maru

55 X-RAY MAG : 53 : 2013 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: wikimedia commons Tractor on Hoki Maru; Diver on the Nippo Maru; pre-war; Divers at mast of Nippo Maru; Chuuk travel Medical kit found in Heian Maru

sand, this 137m (450ft) ship’s bow was severely damaged by two 1,000-pound bombs that hit the port side igniting fuel and caus- ing a massive explosion and fire. The deck appeared to have been peeled back or ripped open from the rest of the ship.

Nippo Maru. Hit and sunk by three 500-pound bombs in its stern, the Nippo Maru was a 106m (350ft) transport ship mostly carrying water. Originally a passenger and cargo freighter, she was seized in 1941 by the Japanese. She now sits mostly upright with a 20 degree port list between 15 and 45m (50-150ft). The Nippo has a very noticeable wheelhouse with an intact telegraph and steering helm. Hold #4 is particu- larly interesting with its aluminum water con- tainers, bottles and bike parts. On the port side bow, a small, mostly intact tank is found as well as a truck chassis.

Heian Maru. The largest wreck in the lagoon at 155m (510ft), the Heian Maru was built in 1930 as a passenger cargo ship. Recalled to Japan during a normal voyage between Hong Kong and Seattle in 1941, she was then converted to a submarine tender. Her 10-30m (35-100ft) of water, one of San Francisco Maru. Although I did name is found in both the most notable parts of the Heian not dive this wreck, it deserves to English and Japanese Maru are Type-95, 7m (23ft) long be mentioned here. One of the on the hull. She was torpedoes, which are stored upright deeper wrecks in the lagoon sitting named after the in the forward holds. Artifacts have upright from 45-63m (145-205ft), ancient city of Heinkyo, also been gathered from inside the it is unique, as there is not much “The City of Peace and ship and placed together including growth due to its depth. It is also Tranquility”. a fantastic medical kit with several a very interesting wreck because Sunk on her port side different colored bottles. it has three intact Japanese Type- and sitting between 95 light tanks, which were crewed Torpedoes inside the Heian Maru

56 X-RAY MAG : 53 : 2013 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO Inside the Rio de Janeiro Maru (left); Engine room (bottom left), Bottle Room (center) and mast (right) of travel the Rio de Janeiro Maru Chuuk trucks, fuel and aerial bombs and torpe- does, and depth charges are found in the aft holds.

Rio de Janeiro Maru. Before WWII, the Rio de Janeiro Maru was an eight-deck pas- senger luxury liner, which carried people and cargo from Japan to many areas of the world including South America, South Africa, the United States. Built in 1940 and converted into a submarine tender in 1940 for the Japanese Navy, she serviced six submarines. After Japan lost most of its submarines, she was reclassified as a transport ship. Sunk by at least one bomb from an Essex aircraft, she now rests on her starboard side at 40m (130ft). Another of my favorites, this 137m (450ft) wreck had an easily accessed large engine room with many knobs, gauges and pipes. There was also a hold referred to as the ‘bottle room’ with stacked boxes of beer bottles. The ship also had very large, photogenic, pro- pellers. One needs several dives to fully explore this large, mostly shallow wreck. Afterthoughts With so many wrecks in Truk Lagoon, one needs multiple trips to see them all, much less explore them adequately. The MV Odyssey, a 40m (132ft) luxury liveaboard with nine very comfortable private state- rooms, a spacious dive deck, large cam- era table, and fantastic meals makes it easy to dive as many of the lagoon

wrecks in a week as possible. Offering outsides of the wrecks have become five dives a day and a fantastic and fantastic artificial reefs with hard and soft knowledgeable crew, I can’t imagine a corals, anemones, large schools of fish, better way to make the most of a week and plenty of the macro critters found by three people. These tanks sped up because of her estimated diving Chuuk. in other parts of (most of the to 30mph and had half-inch armor. The worth of cargo, divers find I’ve often heard people talk about time divers are too enthralled with the San Francisco Maru was built in 1919 as many very interesting war diving Chuuk, and they think it is too wrecks to search for them!) a freighter. She became a cargo ship in artifacts on this ship. Hold #1 advanced for them. It can be, but it Almost all the wrecks can provide a WWII. contains sea mines and deto- doesn’t have to be. For divers who do spectacular dive above 30m (100ft). And Known as the million dollar wreck nators, hold #2 has several not want to go “deep and dark”, the usually when the Odyssey dives the very

57 X-RAY MAG : 53 : 2013 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO travel Chuuk

Rio de Janeiro Maru (above) before the war; Diver (far left) explores the wreck of the Rio de Janeiro Maru; Map (left) shows wreck sites A = Kiyosumi Maru B = Heian Maru C = Emily, Zero, Betty D = Hoki Maru E = San Francisco Maru deep wrecks, they will provide ships have been reborn an alternative wreck for those as thriving artificial who do not want to go that reefs. Almost 70 deep. years in the nutri- The experienced and well- ent rich waters trained Odyssey crew will also of Micronesia go above and beyond to make have sure every diver on the boat made gets the diving they are looking these WENO for. Dive guides can recom- Fujitsuki mend easier dive plans Falchuk Islands Jill 1 for those wanting to stay Shinkoku Maru Float Plane Tonowas shallower and outside Tol Yamigiri Maru B Nippo Maru the wreck. Parem A If you do, however, E want to go “deep and Udot C D dark”, they will take Hanakawa Maru Fujikawa Maru you on mind blow- FEFAN ing penetrations into engine rooms, cargo Tol Rio de Janeiro Maru holds, and more. Aboard Sankisan UMAN the Odyssey divers are given Maru ing than being able to visit Sources: the opportunity to dive at their ships stunning and explore them. ■ www.Thornfin.net leisure or have one of several and colorful marine www.pacificwrecks.com fantastic dive guides lead them. habitats. Hard and Brandi Mueller is an under- Battlestations.eu/index.php/en/our-encyclo- is allowed on soft corals cover the water photographer based in pedia/naval-battles/144-operation-hailstone the Odyssey for certified or outsides of the ships and Honolulu, Hawaii. She is a PADI Morison, Samuel Eliot. Aleutians, Gilberts experienced tech divers. large school of tuna, barracuda fice—they gave their lives IDC Staff Instructor and 100ton and Marshalls, June 1942-April 1944 (History Many lives were lost and and sharks swim by. The ships for their country. The wrecks USCG Captain. See: smugmug. of U.S. Naval Operations in WWII), 2011 ships sunk in the waters of Truk are also the grave sites of those provide a tangible history les- sirenphotography.com Balley, Dan. World War II Wrecks of Truk Lagoon. But underwater, the who made the ultimate sacri- son, and nothing is more excit- Lagoon, 2001

Aotearoa / wikimedia commons Sankisan Maru (top right) 58 X-RAY MAG : 53 : 2013 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO nasa fact file Chuuk, Micronesia

RIGHT: Global map with location of chamber Chuuk Islands There is a chamber in Chuuk BELOW: Location of sources: U.S. cia world fact book, Chuuk Islands on map Getting there United Airways visit-fsm.org of Micronesia services Chuuk with routing through Guam and Honolulu. History The Federated States of Guam (U.S.) Micronesia (FSM) was formed in Enewetak Entry/Exit 1979 including Pohnpei, Kosrae, $20 U.S. cash departure tax col- Yap, and Chuuk (Truk). Currently MARSHALL lected at airport prior to depar- Tamil Ulithi ISLANDS Harbor the FSM is independent under Fais ture Galerut West Ujelang a Compact of Free Association YAP Namonuito annual ISLANDS Faraulep Fayu Murilo with the United States. Occupied Ngulu Sorol Island Pikelot CHUUK contribu- occasional Web sites Olimarao Minto Reef by the Japanese prior and dur- Satawal ISLANDS Oroluk tions by the risk for den- Tourism Micronesia Woleai Elato Pollap PALIKIR Lamotrek ing WWII, Chuuk served as a C Eauripik Ifalik Neoch Losap Pohnpei United States gue. FSM is very close to www.visit-fsm.org A Pingelap R Houk Mokil major operational base for O Namoluk and the FSM to the equator, so be Lukunoch Ngatik Kosrae the Japanese Imperial Navy L I in effect pro- aware of heat and N E Combined Fleet and was the I S L A N D S vide payouts in sunburn. Local hos- PALIKIR target for the United States mili- Nukuoro perpetuity to pitals are on each tary attack known as Operation Pohnpei the FSM after island but have Hailstone on 17-18 February 1944. Dolohniwar NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN 2023. Despite very few resources. Government: Constitutional gov- this move, the On Chuuk, there is Kapingamarangi ernment in free association with Equator medium-term a hospital in Weno the United States. Capital: Palikir economic out- that can take care look looks fragile of normal needs, Geography All four islands are Climate Equatorial tropics with Economy The economy of due to slow growth of the although it’s sug- located in the North Pacific as average of 23-30ºC the FSM relies heavily on fishing private sector. gested prescrip- part of the . The (75-86ºF) year round. Heavy and subsistence farming. High- tion medication islands are mountainous with trop- rainfall year round with summer grade phosphate is the only Population 106,487 (July 2012 for the entire stay ical jungle. Coastline: 6,112km and fall being the wettest. Little mineral deposit worth exploiting. est.) The FSM has several eth- is brought with typhoon risk (June The tourist industry has potential nic groups: Chuukese 48.8%, you. Major illnesses to December). but is hampered by the remote Pohnpeian 24.2%, Kosraean 6.2%, should be flown to Water tempera- location and a lack of sufficient Yapese 5.2%, Yap outer islands Guam (~3 hours) tures are warm facilities, as well as limited air 4.5%, Asian 1.8%, Polynesian or Honolulu (~7 with 27-28ºC connections. Between 1986 and 1.5%, other ethnic groups 6.4%. hours). (80-83ºF). 2001 the United States provided Religions: Roman Catholic 52.7%, $1.3 billion in grant aid under the Protestant 41.7% (2000 Census) Security It’s not Environment original terms of the Compact of Internet users: 17,000 (2009) safe outside resort Overfishing, cli- Free Association. The amount of areas. It’s not mate change aid has since been reduced, but Currency U.S. Dollar advised to be out and pollution the Amended Compact of Free at night, even in pose challenges. Association with the United States Language Chuukese, English cars. The Odyssey guarantees significant annual provides transpor- aid through 2023, wherein a Trust Health In the FSM, there is no tation from and to Brick on Fund has been established with risk for rabies or malaria, but the airport. wreck of the Heian Maru Nippo Mura wreck

59 X-RAY MAG : 53 : 2013 EDITORIAL FEATURES TRAVEL NEWS WRECKS EQUIPMENT BOOKS SCIENCE & ECOLOGY TECH EDUCATION PROFILES PHOTO & VIDEO PORTFOLIO Try something different

Text compiled by Peter Symes Hockey Photos courtesy of Manfred Dorner Under Ice

The big puck is made ​​from wood and styrofoam

Underwater ice hockey is played upside-down underneath frozen pools or ponds, using the underside of the frozen surface as the playing area for a floating puck. Competitors do not utilize any apparatuses, but instead surface for air every 30 seconds.

The new game sport that originated Considering they are not allowed to in Austria has become increas- play with any kind of breathing appa- ingly popular among freedivers and ratus, underwater ice hockey play- extreme sports enthusiasts. It is played ers need to have excellent breath- as a match between two teams holding abilities. Since players can where two to three players partici- easily get disoriented during a game, pate per team in a six-by-eight meter become too exhausted to reach the rink situated under a sheet of ice. At hole or can’t find it, four safety divers any given time only one player is sub- equipped with oxygen tanks are merged while the two others move present to supervise the players dur- between the manholes while catch- ing the game. ing their breath. So far, there have been two Under- Much like on-ice hockey, the game water Ice Hockey World Cups, both consists of three periods, although held in Weissensee, Austria. The first each period is only ten minutes was held in 2007 and was won by a long, with a ten minute intermission team from Finland. The second tour- between periods to allow players to nament, which was just held in 15-16 warm their bodies. As for the spec- February 2013, was won by the home tators, they watch the under water team from Austria, beating Germany action from a screen above the ice. in the final with a score of 9-6. ■

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