Wreck Diving from Coron with   for an Unforgettable Experience

Most of the  wrecks were sunk on 24th September 1944 by fighters and dive bombers of US task force 38.  About 24 Japanese supply ships had tried to hide among the Calamianes Islands in an effort to evade attack.

Because the wrecks have been under water for about 60 years they have become coral reefs in their own right.  Both simple and advanced penetration dives are possible.  Thus they are suitable for experienced wreck divers and those just starting this type of diving.  They are also a delight to dive externally, as reefs, to experience the abundance of life they have attracted.

The Irako is intact except for the bridge area, which took a direct hit.  It is the least salvaged wreck and has a lot to see on penetration. This dive is best made at deck level giving an average depth of 30m.  This year the number and variety of fish has been spectacular.  Nitrox has the advantage of increasing your bottom time by about 50%.  

Max depth: 43m on the bottom, deck level average 30m.  RCL AOW/WD/DD.

Japanese tanker 170m long Location: Busuanga Island, south of Conception town

This wreck is covered with corals and houses a large variety of marine-life. The deck is between 9m & 15m and is good for wreck dive beginners. There are many penetration possibilities.  Okikawa is situated in a channel so there can be currents.  However it is not a problem for beginner divers as there are many areas around the superstructure where you can shelter-and watch the schools of fish enjoying themselves!  Because of it's size you can do many different dives here.  Max depth: 24m, top of wreck 9m to 15m.  RCL AOW/WD.

The Akitsushima is a warship lying on her port side. She was bombed near the stern where her flying boat was tethered on metal tracks.  She sank immediately. The ship is almost split in two just in front of the engine room.  The crane used for lifting the seaplane out of the water is intact, lying on the sand at 36m.  A 3-barreled anti-aircraft gun mounting is at the front of the flying boat tracks and another is half buried in the mud in the area of the crane.

There are good penetrations.  The engine room is the most interesting.  There are four engines, transmission with large gears, and the machinery for operating the crane.  A good Nitrox dive.  At 32% this gives you an approximate 50% increase in bottom time.  Max depth: 36m, top of wreck 22m.  RCL AOW/DD.

She lies on her starboard side at 34m. It is possible to penetrate the whole ship. Many of the penetrations are easy and are well lit.  Kogyo's second hold contains cement bags, a small bulldozer, tractor and air compressor. Swim through the engine room and you will find two large boilers. The top of the ship is at 22m and is covered with hard and soft corals and a wealth of life.  It is  another good Nitrox 32% dive giving an approximate 50% increase in bottom time. Max depth: 34m.  RCL: AOW/WD.

Olympia is a wonderful wreck with a large variety of marine life, soft and hard corals. It sits upright.  The depth on the deck is 18m to 22m. The cargo holds are easy to penetrate with a lot of available light. One of the best wrecks for those discovering wreck diving.  Divers often come back having seen something new and exciting.  

It is another good nitrox dive.  Max depth: 33m.  RCA AOW/WD.

There were six ships in the Japanese navy with this name and we think this is one of them!  The cargo holds & engine room allow easy penetration of this wreck with lots of available light. In the engine room there are two large boilers which can be viewed from the front & back. Penetrating into the shower room you can see the tiles on the floor plus the light fitting with the bulb still in place. The top of the ship is at 14m & is covered with hard corals containing a large variety of marine life Max. depth: 26m.  RCL SD/OW

The name of this ship was not known until February 2002 when a group of 6 intrepid Dutch divers spent all Sunday, in shifts, burrowing into the sand to find it!  The bow is at 4m with a maximum depth of 19m. It is great as a third dive, for underwater photographers and the less experienced diver. The ship is tight against a reef, which at shallow levels is a fairyland of branching corals and miniature reef fish.   A wreck and reef dive in one!  The snorkellers will be happy too! Max depth: 19m.  RCL SD/OW.

Lusong Island wreck appears previously to have been a tugboat because of the engine positioning, the large size of the engine mountings and the large fuel tanks.  It was converted into a gunboat for the Japanese fleet. The stern breaks the surface at low tide.  The maximum depth is 11m. This wreck is also great for snorkeling and is next to a wonderful reef whose depth ranges from 3 & 18m.  It is another good third dive, heaven for underwater photographers and suitable for inexperienced divers.  RCL SD/OW.

Skeleton wreck so named because what you see is the keel, ribs and stringers of a steel-hulled boat. It is close to a reef.  The bow is at 5m and the stern is at the maximum depth of 22m.  RCL SD/OW.