Morazan Maru

Morazan Maru: A Historical Wreck Dive in Coron

Prepare for a captivating journey into history at the Morazan Maru, one of Coron's most iconic dive sites. This intermediate-level wreck offers a unique blend of historical intrigue and vibrant marine life, making it a must-visit for divers exploring Palawan's underwater treasures.

The Ship's Story

The Morazan Maru boasts a truly international history. Built in England in 1908, this freighter initially served routes in Honduras. It was later captured by Japan in Shanghai in 1941, renamed Ekkai Maru, and ultimately met its fate on September 24, 1944, when it was sunk by US forces during an air raid in Coron Bay. The 140 m long vessel now rests on its starboard side, with the distinctive "CEI…SH" (Ceiba, Honduras) lettering on its stern helping to confirm its identity.

Diving the Wreck

Divers will find the Morazan Maru accessible, with depths ranging from 12 m to a maximum depth of 26 m, and an average depth of around 20 m. The water temperature in Coron typically ranges from a comfortable 26°C to 31°C, ensuring pleasant diving conditions year-round. While currents are generally moderate, we always recommend good buoyancy control, especially when exploring the interior. Certification requirements include Open Water and Advanced Open Water, with wreck diver specialty training highly recommended for those wishing to penetrate deeper into the vessel.

The Morazan Maru is a fantastic dive site for both wreck enthusiasts and those looking to experience a thriving artificial reef. Its vast, empty cargo compartments create surreal, naturally-lit cathedral-like swim-throughs. Divers can navigate these spacious holds, which are often filled with sweeping schools of glassy sweepers and cardinalfish. For more advanced divers, a complete swim-through from bow to stern is possible without exiting the ship. You can also explore the engine room, where two massive boilers remain, even though the engine itself was salvaged in the 1960s.

The flat, upward-facing port hull of the Morazan Maru has transformed into a vibrant hard-coral reef. This area is a haven for marine life, where divers can encounter resident Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) gracefully gliding by. Keep an eye out for Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) patrolling the wreck, and the striking Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans) camouflaged against the encrusted metalwork. Spotted Eagle Rays (Aetobatus narinari) are also occasionally sighted around the wreck.

Hazards and Recommendations

While the Morazan Maru offers incredible exploration opportunities, divers should be mindful of potential hazards. The fine silt inside the holds necessitates excellent buoyancy control to prevent silting out and reducing visibility. As with any wreck dive, the overhead environment requires proper training and conservative gas planning. Always be aware of sharp metal edges that may be present due to the wreck's age and deterioration.

The Morazan Maru is a truly rewarding dive site, offering a poignant glimpse into history alongside a vibrant underwater ecosystem. We encourage divers to take their time, explore responsibly, and soak in the unique atmosphere of this historical gem.