Seiko Maru

  Seiko Maru The SS Seiko Maru was launched July 17, 1940 for original owners, Dairen Steamship Co. as a modern cargo vessel of a then unique design with engines aft rather than amidships. This design offered increased cargo hold space eliminating a space robbing propeller shaft tunnel and a need for extended shaft and…

Kiyozumi Maru

The Kiyozumi Maru was built in 1934 by the Kawasaki Dockyard as a freighter with luxurious passenger accommodations. The Japanese Navy took control in November 1941 converting the Kiyozumi Maru to an armed merchant raider. Six inch guns, cannibalized from old cruisers, two twin torpedo launchers and various anti-aircraft machine guns were added. Her success…

Amagisan Maru

The Amagisan Maru was originally built as a cargo/passenger ship serving the Japan-New York Line. The Japanese Navy took her over in 1943 for use as a special transport. In February 1942, she was torpedoed by the USS Swordfish near Davao sustaining damages she went over to repair at Rabaul. She was later one of…

Fujikawa Maru

The Fujikawa Maru was built in 1938 by the Mitsubishi Company as passenger/cargo carrier for the Toyo Kaiun Line. Her peacetime duties consisted of carrying raw silk and cotton between South America and India. The Japanese Navy took control in December 1940 converting her to an aircraft ferry. As part of her conversion she was…

Fujisan Maru

The Fujisan Maru was built in 1931 by the Harima Dockyard as an oil tanker for the Iino-Kaiun Line. Her peacetime duties consisted of carrying crude oil from the US to Japan. The Japanese Navy took control of her in late 1941 to utilize as a “Fleet Oiler.” She participated as part of the Aleutian…

IJN Fumizuki Destroyer

The IJN Fumizuki Destroyer was a Mutsuki Class destroyer built for the Imperial Japanese Navy and launched 16 FEB 1926. She was built by Fujinagata Zosen of Osaka and was nearly obsolete when sunk. The ship’s name means “Month of Rice Ears” in Japanese. During the war the IJN Fumizuki Destroyer participated as part of…

IJN Futagami

The IJN Futagami was a Hashima Fleet Class salvage tug built for the Imperial Japanese Navy and launched 1939. She was built by Harima Sanbashi Company of Aioi. The vessel was equipped with two 2-ton and one 5-ton salvage derricks. She was fitted with de-watering salvage pumps and many hoses still stored in aft hold.…