Oil Spill Emerges from WWII Wreck in Chuuk Lagoon

The Rio de Janeiro Maru has begun leaking oil, raising urgent concerns for environment, tourism, and food security.

Wrecks & Archaeology

Authorities in Chuuk have confirmed an oil spill from the World War II wreck of the Rio de Janeiro Maru in Uman, Chuuk Lagoon. The leak, first noticed by divers on 11 September and confirmed on 13 September 2025, has released oil near one of the lagoon’s most popular wrecks. Officials warn the incident highlights the wider risk posed by the 63 wartime wrecks scattered across the lagoon.

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Truk Lagoon: A "Wreck-reational" Diver's Paradise

Picturesque, remote tropical islands, a serene, protected atoll, endless warm water, colorful soft corals, encrusting sponges, schooling reef fish and the occasional spotted eagle ray, shark or other pelagic… What more could a diver ask for? How about over 60 shipwrecks, plane wrecks and even a submarine steeped in WWII history—95 percent of which are within recreational diving limits. Contrary to what you may have heard, Truk Lagoon is definitely not just for the technical diving community. Matthew Meier shares his adventure there.

Words:
Matthew Meier
Images:
Matthew Meier
Brilliant soft corals, damselfish, fusiliers and cardinalfish on the king post of the Sankisan Maru, near the surface
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Travel & Trips

Considered by many to be the wreck diving capital of the world, Truk Lagoon has been on my proverbial bucket list for years, so when the opportunity arose to visit this faraway corner of the planet, I jumped at the chance. Some readers may remember my article on diving the Solomon Islands in issue 85; I have an affinity for WWII history in the Pacific theater, and thus, was very excited to see Truk for myself.

Press Release
Received from: Master Liveaboards

Master Liveaboards announces the passing of Martin Cridge, Captain of Truk Master

Master Liveaboards

His passing is incredibly unexpected and shocking to everyone who knew him and worked with him.

There are very few people that knew more, or were more passionate about the wrecks and the diving in Chuuk and Bikini. Anyone who dived with him will have felt his infectious enthusiasm. Everyone who dealt directly with him at Master Liveaboards and The Dirty Dozen felt it too.

Truk Lagoon initiative launched

Many returning divers visiting Scapa Flow have found they are getting much more out of their diving because they now have an array of resources at their fingertips, including some very detailed three-dimensional images of the interned fleet.

Wrecks & Archaeology

It now looks as though apart from the "Operation Hailstone" ships sunk in Truk Lagoon, Micronesia will also benefit from being professionally documented too. Plans are being announced that a baseline is going to be established on these ‘bucket list dive’ wrecks.

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Chuuk: Wreck Junkie Heaven

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 coral covered 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 liveaboard. Truk Lagoon, now known as Chuuk, is most certainly one of the world’s greatest wreck diving 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.

Words:
Brandi Mueller
Images:
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Travel & Trips

Under Japanese occupation during World War II, Truk served as one of the Japanese Imperial Navy’s main bases in the South Pacific Theater. Some compared it as Japan’s Pearl Harbor. This logistical and operations base for the Japanese Combine Fleet served as the stage for the United States’ attack called Operation Hailstone.

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San Francisco Maru Wreck of Chuuk Lagoon

Truk Lagoon (now known as Chuuk) plays host to what is usually considered the world’s best wreck diving. World War II ships, planes, tanks, trucks, and military artifacts abound at recreational dive limits in Micronesia’s calm, warm waters. The abundant marine life has transformed the former war vessels into stunningly beautiful artificial reefs.

Words:
Brandi Mueller
Images:
Download the full article as pdf ⬇︎
Travel & Trips
Wrecks & Archaeology

With so many interesting wrecks, it can be hard to choose a favorite. But ask any wreck diver who has been to Chuuk and most likely they will tell you their favorite is the San Francisco Maru. The ship is popularly referred to as the “Million Dollar Wreck” because it was (and still is) chock-full of expensive cargo including tanks, trucks, mines, ammunition, aircraft bombs, torpedoes and depth charges.

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