News
Taking on Truk: The Nippo Maru (Watch Video)
In the last of three videos from their recent trip to Truk Lagoon, Richard and Hayley from Black Manta Photography share this incredible footage of the wreck of the Nippo Maru.
If you’ve ever penetrated a wreck you’ll know at times it’s easy to become disorientated – especially if the wreck laying at the bottom of the ocean is on its side. What feels like ascending to the surface and seeing your depth gauge reduce, can actually mean heading down a corridor to find there’s no exit.
Fortunately this isn’t the case with the Nippo Maru as she sits with only a 20 degree list to her port side, although in all honesty, when we were in the bridge with open widows all around us to view the engine telegraph, that very slight tilt did provide a slight sense of drunkenness. You’re level in the water and it feels like the rusting metal underneath you is too – but it isn’t, and you find yourself swimming at an angle to compensate (or was it just me??)
Built in 1936, the Nippo Maru served life as a cargo ship initially transporting bananas from Taiwan until she was requisitioned by the Japanese Navy in August of 1941 and used as a water carrier.
The Nippo Maru had only been in Truk Lagoon for 7 days when the Allied Forces attacked during ‘Operation Hailstone’. She was hit with three 500lb bombs around the stern area, and came to rest in 44-50m of water, so not one for the recreational single tanks divers!
Despite her 74 years at the bottom of the lagoon, she still has a number of treasure to be discovered from wheelchairs, hospital beds and beer bottles right through to the 3-man Japanese Type 95 Ha-Go light tank weighing in at 10 tons still found on the port side of her deck.
There are plenty of artillery shells, and boxes of small arms ammunitions that litter the holds, along with hemispherical beach mines, but it’s the poignant reminder of the devastation that war brings with the well laid out gas masks – someone at some point would have worn that to cover their face. Quite hard hitting when you see with your own eyes.
Out on the deck at around 30m are a plethora of 47mm field guns. These anti tank guns had a reported muzzle velocity of 860m/sec (2700 ft/sec) and an incredible range of 6,900m… Now that is serious fire power!
Because of her depth this is more suited to the technical divers out there, and racking up double digits of deco time will be a necessity, however this is a beautiful wreck with so much to offer. This literally is Truk Lagoon at it’s very best!
For more from Richard and Hayley visit www.blackmantaphotography.com.
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Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
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The Workhorse – our CS-30
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The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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