The drawing shown here is of the Okikawa or Taeie Maru, sunk in 1944, by a group of American carrier based aircraft. The Okikawa or Taeie Maru (the names vary) is a Japanese Tanker in the group of seven large ships that lie in the waters near Coron in the Calamianes Islands group (North Palawan). The other ships are freighters and a seaplane tender.

This wreck is covered with corals and houses a large variety of marine-life. The deck is between 9m & 15m and is good for wreck dive beginners. There are many penetration possibilities. Okikawa is situated in a channel so there can be currents. However it is not a problem for beginner divers as there are many areas around the superstructure where you can shelter-and watch the schools of fish enjoying themselves! Because of it`s size you can do many different dives here. Max depth: 24m, top of wreck 9m to 15m.

The Philippines has a ton of dive sites, but I mainly go to Subic Bay and Coron to dive the wrecks. I could describe the various dive sites, but you can learn much more about the diving and surrounding area by going to the web sites below. I have been to Coron about five times and I really enjoy the diving and the rural nature of the town of Coron. My last trip in October 2007, I did a four day live-aboard with a friend of mine on his sail boat. You can see photos of diving at Subic and Coron in the photo section of my profile. I can also send you a PowerPoint slide show about the wrecks at Coron.

Web sites for general information on Coron
http://www.diveright-coron.com/
http://www.philippinediving.com/

For dive shops or resorts, try
http://www.divecal.com/
http://www.seadiveresort.com/home.html
http://www.sangat.com.ph/start_e.htm

For Subic Bay, try
http://www.subicdive.com/
http://www.divebluerock.com/
http://www.mangossubic.com/

Let me know if you need more info