Truk is renowned for its incredible history with over 60 wrecks, from supply ships to planes and a submarine, all contained within a coral reef lagoon. It is easy to understand why divers absolutely cherish the diving in Truk. In world war 2, the Japanese fleet used Truk (also known as Chuuk) as one of their main staging points for attacks on the allied forces. In 1944 the American led “Operation Hailstone” surprised the fleet resulting in the wealth of dive sites available to divers to this day.
There are collections of historical artifacts like medicine bottles and newspapers as well as instruments of war, which include aircraft wings for the Japanese Zero Fighter planes, tanks, guns, gas masks, and ammunition. Whilst the wrecks themselves are encrusted with corals, you can still clearly see telegraphs, steering columns and mounted guns. There is also the opportunity to explore engine rooms and holds. Surrounded by a coral reef, there are many excellent coral pinnacles and deep channels with schooling pelagics too!