The Underwater Secrets of The Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon – Moon Mausoleum

After a Japanese fleet in Micronesia were sunk in a lagoon, the shipwreck as well as the soldiers that perished known as the Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon. A popular diving place, this underwater burial ground have also been rumored to be haunted by the once still remaining in their watery graves. 

Deep beneath the crystal-clear waters of Truk Lagoon lies a haunting secret that has captivated divers and history buffs for decades. The Ghost Fleet, a collection of Japanese naval vessels that were sunk during World War II, has been resting on the ocean floor for over 75 years in the Federated States of Micronesia. 

The eerie silence surrounding the rusted hulls of these once-mighty warships has given rise to a sense of mystery and intrigue that draws adventurers from around the world. For decades it was mostly forgotten in this isolated area and wasn’t really talked about until the 60s. It especially gained popularity as a diving place after the French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau released a film about the place in 1969.

Some divers have claimed that there is no difference between the dive down to the ghost ships and the soldiers watery grave and walking through a cemetery. The place has also been said to be haunted and is often featured on the most haunted places in the world lists. But what is really the story about these haunted rumors? 

The History of Truk Lagoon and the Ghost Fleet

Truk Lagoon, also known as Chuuk Lagoon after the 1990s, is a large body of water located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 miles east of the Philippines. During World War II, Truk Lagoon served as an important Japanese naval base, providing protection for their fleet and serving as a strategic location for launching attacks on Allied forces. 

However, on February 17, 1944, the US launched a surprise attack on the Truk Lagoon, code-named Operation Hailstone that lasted for days. This attack was one of the largest naval assaults of World War II, resulting in the destruction of many Japanese ships and planes, often called the Japan’s Pearl Harbor, and the attack was in partial retaliation for this. The Ghost Fleet, a collection of 32 Japanese naval vessels, as well as 275 aircraft, was sunk during this attack and has remained underwater ever since.

Read Also: Other sunken things thought to might be haunted: The Sunken House at the Bottom of Gardner Lake 

In addition to the many planes and ships that went under, it is thought that more than 3 000 people went down with them as well. Some of the bodies are still there. 

The Ghost Fleet is a unique piece of history, frozen in time on the ocean floor. The rusted hulls of these ships provide a glimpse into the past, serving as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the men who served on them. The Ghost Fleet has become a popular destination for divers and history buffs alike, who come to explore the wrecks and learn more about the events that took place during World War II.

The Underwater World of Truk Lagoon

The underwater world of Truk Lagoon is a breathtaking sight to behold. Crystal-clear waters reveal a colorful array of marine life, ranging from small fish to larger species such as sharks and rays. The coral reefs that surround the lagoon are home to a variety of sea creatures, including clownfish, angelfish, and eels.

However, it is the Ghost Fleet that draws many divers to Truk Lagoon. The wrecks of these once-mighty warships have become a haven for marine life, providing a unique and fascinating diving experience. Divers can explore the rusted hulls of these ships, swimming through narrow passageways and peering into the dark corners of the vessels. The Ghost Fleet offers a glimpse into a bygone era, providing a unique opportunity to experience history firsthand.

But there is also the case of this being a literal burial ground, and there are still many bodies still in their watery graves here. Although Japan has done recovery efforts, there are still a few remaining. 

Diving Truk Lagoon and the Haunted Rumors

Diving in Truk Lagoon is a unique and unforgettable experience. The crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility, allowing divers to see the wrecks of the Ghost Fleet in all their glory. The lagoon is relatively calm, with mild currents and warm temperatures year-round.

Diving in Truk Lagoon requires a certain level of skill and experience, as the wrecks are located at varying depths. Some of the wrecks are shallow, with depths of just 10-20 feet, while others are much deeper, with depths of up to 200 feet. Divers must be certified and have experience with deep diving and wreck diving to explore the Ghost Fleet.

So where do the haunted rumors come in? There are not a ton of reports and evidence supporting these claims, and most of them are by divers just mentioning it in passing. One diver even had a staff member quit his job because of the “ghosts in the sea”. Several of the divers have claimed to have seen or heard stuff they couldn’t explain under the water close to the ghost fleet. Could the watery grave contain actual ghosts?

Have a look at some of the strange sounds the divers have claimed to have heard and thought had to be something paranormal.

As with this clip, it shows what many divers claim to have heard underwater. Like the sound of machine that is running from the shipwreck of Fiji Kawamaru in the engine room where there are still human remains in.  

Or even the sound of engines starting up on the sunken Hoki Maru ship that has a lot of trucks onboard. Some claim to have heard human voices that should not be heard so far under water. 

It is not only the ghost fleet said to be haunted though, as rumor has it, the whole island is. There is especially a cave close to the lagoon area that is said to emit a strange light and where people claim to have been touched on the shoulder, even though no one was there. 

According to some, there are not only tourists claiming to have seen these specters haunting the sea. When you talk to the local dive guides in Chuuk, there is an eerie certainty in their words. They speak of sea ghosts haunting the wrecks – souls of the departed. These spectral beings are even sometimes said to bring illness that the victims need an exorcism for purification. It is said that under the sea by the wreckage exists both malevolent and benevolent spirits, casting a chilling presence over these waters.

Truk Lagoon and the Ghost Fleet

Truk Lagoon and the Ghost Fleet offer a unique and unforgettable diving experience descending through shark infested waters by the reefs down to the underwater burial ground of shipwrecks. 

The wrecks of these once-mighty warships provide a haunting backdrop for underwater exploration, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. But look and listen closely, as it is said that the wrecks are more alive than they should be, as the popular tourist area is also someones final resting place, and for just how many is unknown.

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