Biwa Maru Wreck

Field Value
Wreck Category dangerous wreck
Biwa maru Wreck Location
Marine Coordinates (DMM) 		2 57.481 S,109 14.424 E
Latitude, Longitude
Decimal Degrees
  • Latitude: -2.958017
  • Longitude: 109.240400
Wreck Depth 20 m
Water Depth 30 m
Water Level Effect always under water/submerged
Vertical Datum Mean Lower Low Water
Name BIWA MARU
Type steam ship
Flag JP
Sonar Length 80
Orientation 90
Tonnage 3350
Tonnage Type displacement
Conspic Visual not visually conspicuous
Conspic Radar not radar conspicuous
Date Sunk Nov 1, 1942
Bottom Texture Sand
Scour Dimensions ,,005.0,
Original Detection Year 1994
Last Detection Year 2024
Original Source merchant ship
Last Amended Date May 22, 2024

Surveying Details

HH527/500/01 24.2.94 HH527/500/01 24.2.94 UNKNOWN OBSTN REPORTED IN 025715S, 1091436E. (MV JO ASPEN, HN 27.1.94). INS AS OBSTN PA (NO DEPTH SPECIFIED) REP (1994). - NM 937/94. HH527/500/02 9.8.96 HH527/500/02 9.8.96 INS ON 1312 [MISSED SCALE]. - NM 2936/96. HH527/500/02 24.5.00 HH527/500/02 24.5.00 WK DIVED IN 0257.52S, 10914.37E [WGD] USING GPS. A STEEL VESSEL LYING ON ITS SIDE IN GEN DEPTH 30MTRS. SEABED SAND WITH SCOUR TO 35MTRS. LIES E/W ACROSS THE GENERAL CURRENT FLOW AND IS OCCASIONALLY MARKED BY EDDIES. HIGHEST POINT IS ABOUT 20MTRS. APPROX 80MTRS IN LENGTH AND MOSTLY INTACT BUT SHOWING SIGNS OF BREAKING UP. PROBABLY WW2 JAPANESE DUE TO THE RECOVERY OF SOME ITEMS OF JAPANESE MANUFACTURE. (V SKOGLIE, FAX DTD 21.5.00). AMEND TO WK 20MTRS IN REVISED POSN. - NM 2606/00. 15.4.11 15.4.11 CONFIRMED AS BIWA MARU FROM RECOVERED ENGINE MANUFACTURER'S PLATE. POSN IS SOME 60 MILES FROM THE OFFICAL REPORTED POSN. (V SKOGLIE, EMAIL DTD 14.4.11). NCA.

Circumstances of loss

EX-DOMANA. BUILT IN 1919 IN MELBOURNE..

General Comments

ON ITS SIDE, INTACT, BREAKING UP. STEEL, LENGTH BY DIVER

WRECK MAP LOADING ... 2 57.481 S,109 14.424 E
Biwa Maru on Wreck Map Biwa Maru Wreck on Google Map

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FAQ

Where is the BIWA MARU wreck located?

The BIWA MARU wreck is located at coordinates 2 57.481 S,109 14.424 E.

How deep is the BIWA MARU and where exactly is it located?

The BIWA MARU lies at a depth of about 20 meters and is located at coordinates 2 57.481 S,109 14.424 E.

How deep is the seabed around the BIWA MARU?

The seabed around the BIWA MARU lies at approximately 30 meters deep.

When did the BIWA MARU sink?

The BIWA MARU sank on Nov 1, 1942.

When was the wreck of the BIWA MARU discovered?

The wreck of the BIWA MARU was discovered in 1994.

What country did the BIWA MARU belong to?

The BIWA MARU belonged to JP.

What was the tonnage of the BIWA MARU?

The BIWA MARU had a tonnage of 3350 tons.

What type of wreck is the BIWA MARU?

The BIWA MARU is classified as a steam ship.

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