About Revisions Akitsushima Coron, Palawan, Philippines More Info Max Depth: 111-120ft/34-37m Average Viz: 36-40ft/11-12m Entry Type: Boat Bottom Composition: Sand Aquatic Life: Plenty To See Spring: 76-80°F/24-27°C Summer: 76-80°F/24-27°C Fall: 76-80°F/24-27°C Winter: 76-80°F/24-27°C 8/11/2009 3:09 PM

Akitsushima


Japanese Seaplane Tender 118 m long. Location: Between Culion & Busuanga Islands, near Manglet Island.


The Akitsushima is a very big warship that lies on her port side. She was hit near the stern where the flying boat rested on the metal tracks and sank immediately. The ship was almost torn into two pieces. The flying boat disappeared. Only half of the metal on the starboard side and half of the metal on the bottom of the ship kept the stern from separating from the rest of the ship. The internal damage is impressive.


The crane used for lifting the seaplane out of the water is intact. The crane is lying on the sandy bottom and attracts schools of giant batfish and barracudas. One mounting of a 3-barreled AA (antiaircraft) gun is still present at the front of the flying boat tracks. This is a fascinating dive where you can see giant groupers, schools of barracuda hiding under the bow, and yellow fin tuna.


Due to depth and metal hazards within, no swim throughs are allowed without wreck diver certification. Wreck divers can make an impressive penetration into the engine room to see the four engines. The gears and machinery for operating the crane are the main objects of interest for a penetration into the stern.


This dive is best made while breathing 31% or 32% Nitrox for a 50% increase in allowable bottom time.


Max depth: 35 or 36 meters, average depth about 26 to 28 meters. Recommended certification level: Advanced Open water Diver. For penetration: PADI Wreck Diver specialty.