Launched 25th April 1940 the Aikoku Maru was built by Tama Ship Building, Japan.  Originally built as a merchantman for Osaka Syosen but constructed as a passenger liner she was intended to be used on the Japan to Africa route; a roll in which she never took up.

At 10,438g.t. and 150m in length she was powered by two Mitsubishi engines and capable of 21knts.

Today she lines in 62m of water and is best visited with trimix.  The Aikoku is badly broken at the midships with the bow section entirely destroyed.  At the break there is a complicated no-clear-surface entry to the engine room.  The remainder of the ship is upright with an anti-aircraft gun on the stern deck house.

Links: Photo by Michael McFadyen Scuba | Aikoku Maru on Thorfinn

Outstanding, world-class