Above water, Chuuk Lagoon appears as an untouched, tropical paradise. Tucked within the Federated States of Micronesia, this massive atoll stretches across a 225-kilometre outer reef, encircling a tranquil, natural harbour.
Below the turquoise-blue surface, however, lies a haunting underwater relic from World War II. Home to one of the largest concentrations of sunken warships, Chuuk Lagoon is one of the most exciting and eerie diving destinations on Earth.
During World War II, Japan stationed a huge portion of its naval fleet in Chuuk Lagoon, then known as Truk. In 1944, a two-day US raid Operation Hailstone decimated the naval base, sinking 12 smaller Japanese warships, two submarines and 32 merchant ships, while destroying a further 275 aircraft. This included the impressive San Francisco Maru, an auxiliary ship now nicknamed the 'Million Dollar Wreck' for its valuable military cargo.
These sunken wrecks are often referred to as the 'Ghost Fleet of Chuuk Lagoon'. When Jacques Cousteau explored the site in 1969, home to around 60 ships, he put it firmly on the global map.
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Today, it’s a living underwater museum. Gas masks, skulls and bullet casings are scattered across the seafloor. Protected from strong currents and featuring accessible shallow areas, the wreckage is a treasure trove for divers all over the world.
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Here, history and nature meld into a kaleidoscope of colour. Vibrant soft corals, sweeping sea fans, and delicate anemones cover the natural reefs and sunken warships, creating a thriving artificial sanctuary.
The Chuuk Lagoon wreckage teems with over 300 species of fish. Wrasse, lionfish and groupers dart through rusted steel, while sea turtles, eagle rays, and reef sharks are often spotted by divers and
snorkelers.
In pictures: Chuuk Lagoon ship graveyard
Top image: The ghostly remains of the stern of the Shotan Maru ship wreck, Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia. Credit: apsimo1/Getty Images
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