During Easter 2005, Mandarin Divers will be undertaking an expedition to explore the Japanese World War II wreck of the Haguro.

The Haguro was a 10,980 ton Myoko class heavy cruiser. Commissioned in 1929 she had many duties throughout the Pacific theatre.

 

Her list of actions includes the Battle of Coral Sea, Battle of Midway, Guadalcanal Campaign and Lyete Gulf. During these actions she saw service with some of the Japanese Main Carrier Forces.

In 1945, as the war in the Pacific was closing the Haguro was stationed in Singapore carrying out supply and transport duties. During the early hours of May 16th 1945, she was intercepted by five British Royal Navy destroyers, she was hit by 3 torpedoes and sunk in the Eastern Bay of Bengal, with the loss of about three-quarters of her crew of 1200 officers and men.

 

This expedition will preceed further trips down to the wreck. Mandarin Divers will follow this trip up with future plans for a trip during 2006.

If you are interested in taking part in Technical Diving trips contact us for more information.