Aratama Maru, Japanese shipwreck site in Talofofo Bay, Guam.
Aratama Maru is a Japanese cargo ship that sank in Talofofo Bay near Guam and now rests on a reef in scattered sections. Divers can observe hull fragments, an anchor with chain, and parts of the superstructure spread across the underwater site.
The vessel was struck by a torpedo from the American submarine USS Seahorse in April 1944 during World War II combat operations. This attack occurred as part of the broader naval campaign in the Pacific theater of the war.
The wreck lies in waters tied to Japan's naval history in the Pacific War, and local people associate the location with memories of that era. For divers visiting the site, the submerged remains serve as a place to consider the island's wartime past.
Reaching the wreck requires diving equipment and boats to access the reef location in the bay. Visitors should check locally about permits and water conditions before attempting to explore the site, as access may be limited to protect the archaeological remains.
After being hit, the vessel drifted for three days before finally settling on the reef and splitting in half. The stern section slipped toward the Mariana Trench during sinking, creating an unusual arrangement of wreckage on the seafloor.
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