Kogyo Maru

Kogyo Maru: A Journey into Wartime History and Thriving Marine Life

Prepare for an unforgettable adventure into the past at the Kogyo Maru, one of Coron's most iconic wreck dive sites. This 158-meter, 6,352-ton Imperial Japanese Navy auxiliary cargo ship, laden with airfield construction materiel, met its fate during the American air raids on September 24, 1944. Resting on her starboard side on a sandy bottom, the Kogyo Maru offers an unparalleled deep-wreck diving experience for certified divers.

Dive Conditions and Certification

The Kogyo Maru is an advanced dive site, presenting variable currents and demanding deep profiles. The water temperature typically ranges from 26°C to 30°C, ensuring comfortable conditions for exploration. Due to the inherent challenges of depth, potential silting, an overhead environment, and sharp metal, coupled with the necessity of careful decompression planning, we recommend divers hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification, along with Deep Diver and Wreck Specialty certifications, to safely explore this magnificent wreck. The average depth for this dive site is around 28 m, with the deepest parts reaching approximately 34 to 36 m, while the shallower sections of the wreck's port hull rise to about 22 m.

Exploring the Wreck

As you descend, you will find the Kogyo Maru's upward-facing port hull aggressively colonized by vibrant soft corals, creating a breathtaking tableau of marine growth. The ship's immense size allows for extensive exploration, with six large cargo holds offering penetrable swim-throughs. The second cargo hold is particularly renowned, housing a fascinating collection of wartime cargo: chemically solidified cement bags forming distinct mounds, an encrusted bulldozer, and a tractor with an integrated air compressor. This remarkable collection creates what many consider the finest wartime-cargo tableau in Coron. Divers may also find anti-aircraft guns on the deck and explore the engine room through salvage holes.

Marine Encounters

Beyond its historical significance, the Kogyo Maru is a thriving artificial reef. Divers can encounter a diverse array of marine life, including the striking Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans), graceful Longfin Batfish (Platax teira), and the occasional majestic Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). Keep an eye out for the camouflaged Crocodilefish (Cymbacephalus beauforti) and the impressive Giant Moray (Gymnothorax javanicus) lurking within the wreck's crevices. Schools of barracuda and sweetlips are also common sightings, along with various groupers, pufferfish, scorpionfish, and nudibranchs that call this wreck home.

A Rewarding Experience

The Kogyo Maru offers a challenging yet immensely rewarding dive experience. Its deep profiles and the heavy silt found within its holds make it a genuine deep-wreck dive, promising an adventure filled with history and vibrant marine biodiversity. We encourage properly trained and equipped divers to discover the captivating secrets held within this magnificent sunken vessel.