IJN Irako

Diving the IJN Irako: Coron's Deepest Jewel

Prepare for an unforgettable journey into history as we explore the IJN Irako, widely regarded as the most impressive and intact of Coron's World War II wrecks. This formidable Imperial Japanese Navy refrigeration and food-supply ship, built to provision 25,000 men of the Combined Fleet for two weeks, met its fate on September 24, 1944. She was sunk by US Task Force 38 fighter-bombers at the mouth of Coron Bay, now resting as a magnificent artificial reef.

The Wreck Itself

The IJN Irako is a colossal dive site, measuring approximately 145 to 147 meters in length with a 9,570-tonne displacement. She lies nearly upright on the seabed, exhibiting only a slight port list, making her structurally the most intact of the Coron wrecks, despite a direct hit to the bridge. Divers will find the main deck at a depth of 30 to 34 m, while the deepest parts of the wreck reach 42 to 45 m.

Diving Conditions and Marine Life

The water temperature at this dive site typically ranges from 27°C to 30°C year-round. Currents here can be variable, often strong, but these currents also bring a rich abundance of marine life to the wreck. Visibility generally ranges from 10 to 25 meters, with the best conditions typically found during the dry season from October to May.

The IJN Irako has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef, teeming with biodiversity. Divers will encounter impressive schools of Bigeye Trevally (Caranx sexfasciatus) and often see Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) gracefully gliding by. Keep an eye out for large groupers, schools of tuna and yellowfin, barracuda, and batfish. Lionfish and scorpionfish are also commonly spotted in hidden corners, while snappers and nudibranchs add to the colorful tapestry of life on the wreck. The wreck's superstructure is beautifully adorned with both soft and hard corals, creating stunning photographic opportunities.

Difficulty, Certification, and Hazards

The IJN Irako is a technical dive site, often described by local divemasters as "Deep, Dark, and Dangerous" (DDD). We recommend a minimum of Advanced Open Water certification for this dive. However, due to the significant depth, overhead environment, and potential for decompression obligation, additional certifications such as Deep Diver and Wreck Diver Specialty are highly recommended, especially for those interested in penetrating the wreck. Technical diving courses are available in Coron for divers looking to further their skills for such challenging sites.

Perfect buoyancy control is crucial here, as the wreck can be silty, and stirring up sediment can quickly reduce visibility. Strong and variable currents are a common feature, requiring experienced handling. Utilizing Nitrox is highly advantageous to extend bottom time and manage decompression limits given the depth of the dive site.

Penetration Opportunities

For appropriately trained and equipped divers, the IJN Irako offers extensive penetration opportunities into its well-preserved interior. You can explore spacious cargo holds, the transmission room, laundry room, and even the galley, which still contains some kitchen accessories. The engine room is also penetrable, but this section should only be attempted by very experienced technical divers with the necessary equipment and training due to its depth and complexity. Divers can even explore the wheelhouse, where the huge steering wheel may still be seen.