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List of shipwrecks of Oceania

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is a list of shipwrecks located in the region of Oceania.

Australia and Oceania (administrative map)

Australia

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Melanesia

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Fiji

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Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
Harriet  United Kingdom 16 July 1837 A whaler wrecked on Providence Reef in the Fiji Islands.
Tuaikaepau  New Zealand 6 July 1962 A cutter that ran aground on the South Minerva Reef. 23°55′19″S 179°05′34″W / 23.92194°S 179.09278°W / -23.92194; -179.09278 (Tuaikaepau)

New Caledonia

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Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
I-17  Imperial Japanese Navy 19 August 1943 A Type B1 submarine that was sunk by US aircraft and the Royal New Zealand Navy minesweeper HMNZS Tui south of New Caledonia. 23°26′S 166°50′E / 23.433°S 166.833°E / -23.433; 166.833 (I-17)

Norfolk Island

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Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
HMS Sirius  Royal Navy 19 March 1790 First Fleet ship that sank on the reef in Slaughter Bay, Norfolk Island, while landing stores

Papua New Guinea

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Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
USS Amberjack  United States Navy 16 February 1943 A Gato-class submarine sunk by Japanese warships off Rabaul. 05°05′S 152°37′E / 5.083°S 152.617°E / -5.083; 152.617 (USS Amberjack)
Arashio  Imperial Japanese Navy 4 March 1943 An Asashio-class destroyer that was sunk in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. 07°15′S 148°30′E / 7.250°S 148.500°E / -7.250; 148.500 (Japanese destroyer Arashio)
USS Argonaut  United States Navy 10 January 1943 A V-type submarine sunk by Japanese destroyers off Rabaul. 05°40′14″S 153°54′56″E / 5.67056°S 153.91556°E / -5.67056; 153.91556 (USS Argonaut (SS-166))
USS Brownson 26 December 1943 A Fletcher-class destroyer that was sunk by a Japanese dive bomber aircraft off Cape Gloucester, New Britain. 5°20′S 148°25′E / 5.333°S 148.417°E / -5.333; 148.417 (USS Brownson (DD-518))
HMAS Geelong  Royal Australian Navy 18 October 1944 A Bathurst-class corvette that collided with the American tanker York north of Langemak Bay. 6°4′S 147°45′E / 6.067°S 147.750°E / -6.067; 147.750 (HMAS Geelong (J201))
Hakaze  Imperial Japanese Navy 23 January 1943 A Japanese Minekaze-class destroyer that was torpedoed by USS Guardfish south of Kavieng, New Ireland. 02°47′S 150°38′E / 2.783°S 150.633°E / -2.783; 150.633 (Japanese destroyer Hakaze)
Hatsukaze 2 November 1943 A Kagerō-class destroyer sunk in Empress Augusta Bay off Bougainville Island by U.S. Navy warships during the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay. 06°01′S 153°58′E / 6.017°S 153.967°E / -6.017; 153.967 (Hatsukaze)
I-2 7 April 1944 A J1-type submarine sunk by the United States Navy destroyer USS Saufley (DD-465) 50 nautical miles (93 km; 58 mi) west-northwest of New Hanover Island. 02°17′S 149°14′E / 2.283°S 149.233°E / -2.283; 149.233 (I-2)
I-4 21 December 1942 A J1-type submarine torpedoed by the United States Navy submarine USS Seadragon (SS-194) at the southern entrance to St. George's Channel off New Ireland about 20 nautical miles (37 km; 23 mi) from Rabaul. 05°02′S 152°33′E / 5.033°S 152.550°E / -5.033; 152.550 (I-4)
I-168 27 July 1943 A Kaidai 6-type submarine sunk by the United States Navy submarine USS Scamp (SS-277) 60 nautical miles (110 km; 69 mi) off New Hanover Island. 02°50′S 149°01′E / 2.833°S 149.017°E / -2.833; 149.017 (I-168)
I-171 1 February 1944 A Kaidai 6-type submarine sunk by the United States Navy destroyers USS Guest (DD-472) and USS Hudson (DD-475) 15 nautical miles (28 km; 17 mi) west of Buka Island in the Solomon Islands Archipelago. 05°37′S 154°14′E / 5.617°S 154.233°E / -5.617; 154.233 (I-171)
Kako 10 August 1942 A Furutaka-class cruiser torpedoed by the United States Navy submarine USS S-44 (SS-155) off Simbari Island. 02°28′S 152°11′E / 2.467°S 152.183°E / -2.467; 152.183 (Kako)
Kembu Maru  Japan 3 March 1943 A cargo ship that was sunk by Allied aircraft in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. 07°15′S 148°30′E / 7.250°S 148.500°E / -7.250; 148.500 (Japanese transport Kembu Maru)
Kyokusei Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy 2 March 1943 A Japanese troopship that was sunk by Allied aircraft in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. 06°46′S 147°10′E / 6.767°S 147.167°E / -6.767; 147.167 (SS Kyokusei Maru)
MV Macdhui  Australia 18 June 1942 A passenger and cargo ship that was sunk by Japanese aircraft in Port Moresby.
Makinami  Imperial Japanese Navy 25 November 1943 A Yūgumo-class destroyer sunk by United States Navy destroyers 55 nautical miles (102 km; 63 mi) east-southeast of Cape St. George on New Ireland in the Battle of Cape St. George. 05°14′S 153°50′E / 5.233°S 153.833°E / -5.233; 153.833 (Makinami)
MV Mamutu  Australia 7 August 1942 A motor vessel sunk by the Imperial Japanese Navy submarine Ro-33 in the Gulf of Papua. 09°11′S 144°12′E / 9.183°S 144.200°E / -9.183; 144.200 (Mamutu)
USS Mckean  United States Navy 17 November 1943 A Wickes-class destroyer sunk by Japanese aircraft off Bougainville.[1] 06°31′S 154°52′E / 6.517°S 154.867°E / -6.517; 154.867 (USS McKean)
Mikazuki  Imperial Japanese Navy 28 July 1943 A Japanese Mutsuki-class destroyer that ran aground on a reef off the west coast of New Island. 5°27′S 148°25′E / 5.450°S 148.417°E / -5.450; 148.417 (Japanese destroyer Mikazuki (1926))
USS Mount Hood  United States Navy 10 November 1944 A Mount Hood-class ammunition ship that exploded in Seeadler Harbor, killing over 300 people and destroying twenty-two smaller boats and landing craft. 2°01′42″S 147°21′18″E / 2.02833°S 147.355°E / -2.02833; 147.355 (USS Mount Hood (AE-11))
Nojima Maru  Japan 3 March 1943 A troopship ship that was damaged both by aircraft and a collision with Japanese destroyer Arashio.and sank 50 nautical miles (93 km; 58 mi) southeast of Finschafen, New Guinea 07°15′S 148°30′E
Oigawa Maru 3 March 1943 A troopship that was sunk by motor torpedo boats PT-143 and PT-150 in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. 06°58′S 148°16′E / 6.967°S 148.267°E / -6.967; 148.267 (Japanese transport Oigawa Maru)
Okinoshima  Imperial Japanese Navy 12 May 1942 A minelayer that was torpedoed by USS S-42 and sank under tow in Saint George's Channel. 05°06′S 153°48′E / 5.100°S 153.800°E / -5.100; 153.800 (Japanese minelayer Okinoshima)
Ōnami 25 November 1943 A Yūgumo-class destroyer torpedoed by United States Navy destroyers between Buka Island and Cape St. George on New Ireland in the Battle of Cape St. George. 05°15′S 153°49′E / 5.250°S 153.817°E / -5.250; 153.817 (Ōnami)
Ōshio 20 February 1943 An Asashio-class destroyer that was torpedoed by USS Albacore 70 nautical miles northeast of Manus Island. 00°50′S 146°06′E / 0.833°S 146.100°E / -0.833; 146.100 (Japanese destroyer Ōshio)
Pruth  United Kingdom 31 December 1923 A steamship that was wrecked on Natara Reef, off Port Moresby.
Ro-33  Imperial Japanese Navy 29 August 1942 A Japanese Ro-33-class submarine that was sunk by HMAS Arunta off Port Moresby. 09°36′S 147°06′E / 9.600°S 147.100°E / -9.600; 147.100 (Japanese submarine Ro-33)
Ro-104 23 May 1944 A Ro-100-class submarine sunk by the United States Navy destroyer escort USS England (DE-635) north of the Admiralty Islands. 01°26′N 149°20′E / 1.433°N 149.333°E / 1.433; 149.333 (Ro-104)
Ro-105 31 May 1944 A Ro-100-class submarine sunk by the United States Navy destroyer escort USS England (DE-635) north of the Admiralty Islands. 00°47′N 149°56′E / 0.783°N 149.933°E / 0.783; 149.933 (Ro-105)
Ro-106 22 May 1944 A Ro-100-class submarine sunk by the United States Navy destroyer escort USS England (DE-635) north of the Admiralty Islands. 01°40′N 150°31′E / 1.667°N 150.517°E / 1.667; 150.517 (Ro-106)
Ro-108 26 May 1944 A Ro-100-class submarine sunk by the United States Navy destroyer escort USS England (DE-635) north of the Admiralty Islands. 00°32′S 148°35′E / 0.533°S 148.583°E / -0.533; 148.583 (Ro-108)
Ro-111 10 June 1944 A Ro-100-class submarine sunk by the United States Navy destroyer USS Taylor (DD-468) north of the Admiralty Islands. 00°26′N 149°16′E / 0.433°N 149.267°E / 0.433; 149.267 (Ro-111)
Ro-116 24 May 1944 A Ro-100-class submarine sunk by the United States Navy destroyer escort USS England (DE-635) north of the Admiralty Islands. 00°53′N 149°14′E / 0.883°N 149.233°E / 0.883; 149.233 (Ro-116)
USS S-39  United States Navy 13 August 1942 An S-class submarine that ran aground off Rossel Island. 11°21′02.74″S 154°08′56.51″E / 11.3507611°S 154.1490306°E / -11.3507611; 154.1490306 (USS S-39 (SS-144))
Sendai  Imperial Japanese Navy 2 November 1943 A Sendai-class light cruiser sunk in Empress Augusta Bay off Bougainville Island by U.S. Navy warships during the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay. 06°10′S 154°20′E / 6.167°S 154.333°E / -6.167; 154.333 (Sendai)
Shimakaze 12 January 1943 A Minekaze-class destroyer that was torpedoed by the United States Navy submarine USS Guardfish near Kavieng, New Ireland. 02°51′S 149°43′E / 2.850°S 149.717°E / -2.850; 149.717 (Japanese destroyer Shimakaze (1920))
Shirayuki 3 March 1943 A Fubuki-class destroyer that was sunk by Allied aircraft 55 nautical miles southeast of Finschhafen, Papua New Guinea. 07°15′S 148°30′E / 7.250°S 148.500°E / -7.250; 148.500 (Japanese destroyer Shirayuki (1928))
Sin-ai Maru  Japan 3 March 1943 A troopship that was sunk by Allied aircraft in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. 07°15′S 148°30′E / 7.250°S 148.500°E / -7.250; 148.500 (SS Sin-ai Maru (1921))
SS Taimei Maru
Tenryū  Imperial Japanese Navy 19 December 1942 A Japanese Tenryū-class cruiser that was torpedoed by USS Albacore off Madang. 05°12′S 145°56′E / 5.200°S 145.933°E / -5.200; 145.933 (Japanese cruiser Tenryū)
W-26 17 February 1944 A Japanese W-19-class minesweeper that was bombed by American aircraft at Karavia Bay, New Britain.
Yayoi 10 August 1926 A Kamikaze-class destroyer sunk as a target by Japanese aircraft off the Oki Islands.
Yūgiri 26 November 1943 A Japanese Fubuki-class destroyer that was sunk in the Battle of Cape St. George. 04°44′S 154°0′E / 4.733°S 154.000°E / -4.733; 154.000 (Japanese destroyer Yūgiri (1930))

Micronesia

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Federated States of Micronesia

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Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
Agano  Imperial Japanese Navy 15 February 1944 An Agano-class cruiser that was torpedoed by the United States Navy submarine USS Skate 160 nautical miles (296 km; 184 mi) north of Truk. 10°11′N 151°42′E / 10.183°N 151.700°E / 10.183; 151.700 (Japanese cruiser Agano)
Aikoku Maru 17 February 1944 An armed merchantman that was sunk during Operation Hailstone. The remains of 400 men were recovered from the wreck and cremated in 1984. 07°22′N 151°56′E / 7.367°N 151.933°E / 7.367; 151.933 (Aikoku Maru (1940))
Fujikawa Maru An armed aircraft transport that was sunk during Operation Hailstone
Fumizuki 18 February 1944 A Japanese Mutsuki-class destroyer that was sunk during Operation Hailstone. 07°24′N 151°44′E / 7.400°N 151.733°E / 7.400; 151.733 (Japanese destroyer Fumizuki (1926))
Heian Maru 17 February 1944 A Japanese submarine tender that was sunk during Operation Hailstone.
I-169 4 April 1944 A Japanese Kaidai-class submarine that participated in the attack on Pearl Harbor, and sank northwest of Dublon, when it flooded while diving to avoid an air-raid.
Planet  Germany 7 October 1914 A survey ship that was scuttled to prevent capture.
Sankisan Maru  Japan A Japanese freighter that was sunk during Operation Hailstone.
Shinkoko Maru A Japanese oil tanker that was sunk during Operation Hailstone.
Tachikaze  Imperial Japanese Navy 18 February 1944 A Japanese Minekaze-class destroyer that ran aground at Kuop Atoll on 4 February 1944, and remained stranded until it was sunk in Operation Hailstone. 07°03′N 151°56′E / 7.050°N 151.933°E / 7.050; 151.933 (Japanese destroyer Tachikaze)
Umikaze 1 February 1944 A Japanese Shiratsuyu-class destroyer that was torpedoed by USS Guardfish south of Chuuk. 07°10′N 151°43′E / 7.167°N 151.717°E / 7.167; 151.717 (Japanese destroyer Umikaze)

Guam

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Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
USS Acadia  United States Navy 20 September 2010 A Yellowstone-class destroyer tender sunk as a target off Guam.
Aratama Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy 1944 An Imperial Japanese Navy transport sunk in Talofofo Bay.
SMS Cormoran  Imperial German Navy 7 April 1917 A German steamer scuttled in Apra Harbor to avoid capture at the start of American involvement in World War I. 13°27′33″N 144°39′15″E / 13.45917°N 144.65417°E / 13.45917; 144.65417 (SMS Cormoran (1914))
Kitsugawa Maru  Japan A Japanese merchant freighter sunk by torpedo in Apra Harbor.
Tokai Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy 1943 An Imperial Japanese Navy armed transport sunk in Apra Harbor.

Kiribati

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Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
Canton  United States A whaling ship that ran aground at Kanton Island.
Golden Sunset  United Kingdom 1866 A British barque that ran aground at Enderbury Island.[2]
Norwich City 29 November 1929 A British freighter that ran aground at Nikumaroro. 4°39′39″S 174°32′40″W / 4.66083°S 174.54444°W / -4.66083; -174.54444 (SS Norwich City)
President Taylor United States Army 14 February 1942 After carrying two companies of infantry and two battalions of coast artillery, about 1,100 men, for the Canton (Kanton) Island garrison, and possibly due to loss of an anchor while landing troops and equipment by means of shallow draft craft from outside the lagoon, the ship became firmly grounded on the coral reef. The hull was eventually scrapped by 6 April 1955.

Marshall Islands

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Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
USS Anderson  United States Navy 1 July 1946 A Sims-class destroyer that was sunk at Bikini Atoll in an atomic bomb test.
USS Apogon 25 July 1946 A Balao-class submarine that was sunk at Bikini Atoll in an atomic bomb test, Operation Crossroads.
USS Arkansas A Wyoming-class battleship that was sunk at Bikini Atoll in an atomic bomb test.
USS Barrow 11 May 1948 A Gilliam-class attack transport that sustained heavy damage in atomic bomb tests and was scuttled off Kwajalein.
USS Carlisle 1 July 1946 A Gilliam-class attack transport that was sunk at Bikini Atoll in an atomic bomb test.
USS Gilliam A Gilliam-class attack transport that was sunk at Bikini Atoll in an atomic bomb test.
Kembu Maru  Japan 4 December 1943 A Japanese freighter that was sunk by US aircraft at Kwajalein Atoll. 09°19′N 167°25′E / 9.317°N 167.417°E / 9.317; 167.417 (SS Kembu Maru)
USS Lamson  United States Navy 2 July 1946 A Mahan-class destroyer that was sunk at Bikini Atoll in an atomic bomb test.
USS LST-545 12 May 1948 An LST-542-class tank landing ship that was sunk at Enewetak Atoll in an atomic bomb test.
USS LST-661 25 July 1948 An LST-542-class tank landing ship that was sunk at Enewetak Atoll in an atomic bomb test.
Nagato  Imperial Japanese Navy 30 July 1946 A Japanese Nagato-class battleship that sustained heavy damage in an atomic bomb test at Bikini Atoll, and capsized and sank five days later.
USS Pennsylvania  United States Navy 10 February 1948 A Pennsylvania-class super-dreadnought battleship, that was sunk off Kwajalein after atomic bomb tests.
USS Pilotfish 25 July 1946 A Balao-class submarine that sunk at Bikini Atoll in an atomic bomb test. 30°26′N 140°53′E / 30.433°N 140.883°E / 30.433; 140.883 (USS Pilotfish (SS-386))
Prinz Eugen  Kriegsmarine 22 December 1946 A German Admiral Hipper-class heavy cruiser that was damaged at Bikini Atoll by atomic bomb tests, and later towed to Kwajalein where it capsized and sunk. 8°45′9.85″N 167°40′59.16″E / 8.7527361°N 167.6831000°E / 8.7527361; 167.6831000 (German cruiser Prinz Eugen)
Sakawa  Imperial Japanese Navy 2 July 1946 A Japanese Agano-class cruiser that sustained heavy damage in an atomic bomb test at Bikini Atoll, and sank the following day. 11°35′N 165°23′E / 11.583°N 165.383°E / 11.583; 165.383 (Japanese cruiser Sakawa)
USS Saratoga  United States Navy 25 July 1946 A Lexington-class aircraft carrier that was sunk at Bikini Atoll in an atomic bomb test. 11°34′53.33″N 165°29′54.78″E / 11.5814806°N 165.4985500°E / 11.5814806; 165.4985500 (USS Saratoga (CV-3))
Toreshima Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy December 1943 A Japanese supply ship sunk at Maloelap Atoll off Taroa Island by US Navy.

Palau

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Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
Amatsu Maru  Japan 31 March 1944 A Japanese tanker that was sunk during Operation Desecrate One.
Bichu Maru 30 March 1944 A Japanese freighter that was sunk during Operation Desecrate One.
Chuyo Maru  Imperial Japanese Army 31 March 1944 A Japanese freighter (army cargo vessel) that was sunk during Operation Desecrate One.
Gozan Maru 30 March 1944 A Japanese troopship that was sunk during Operation Desecrate One.
Irō 31 March 1944 A Japanese Notoro-class oil tanker that was sunk during Operation Desecrate One. She was the sister ship of Sata.
Kamikaze Maru A Japanese troopship that was sunk during Operation Desecrate One.
Kibi Maru A Japanese freighter (army cargo vessel) that was sunk during Operation Desecrate One.
Nagisan Maru A Japanese freighter (army cargo vessel) that was sunk during Operation Desecrate One.
USS Perry  United States Navy 13 September 1944 A Clemson-class destroyer that was sunk by a naval mine off Anguar. 6°53′N 134°10′E / 6.883°N 134.167°E / 6.883; 134.167 (USS Perry (DD-340))
Raizan Maru  Imperial Japanese Army 31 March 1944 A Japanese freighter (army cargo vessel) that was sunk during Operation Desecrate One.
Ryuko Maru A Japanese freighter (army cargo vessel) that was sunk during Operation Desecrate One.
Samidare 25 August 1944 A Japanese Shiratsuyu-class destroyer that was torpedoed by USS Batfish after running aground on Velasco Reef. 8°10′N 134°38′E / 8.167°N 134.633°E / 8.167; 134.633 (Samidare)
Sata 31 March 1944 A Japanese Notoro-class oil tanker that was sunk during Operation Desecrate One. She was a sister ship of Irō.
Teshio Maru A Japanese freighter (army cargo vessel) that was sunk during Operation Desecrate One.
Urakami Maru A Japanese repair ship that was sunk during Operation Desecrate One.
Wakatake 30 March 1944 A Japanese Wakatake-class destroyer that was sunk during Operation Desecrate One. 7°50′N 134°20′E / 7.833°N 134.333°E / 7.833; 134.333 (Wakatake)

Wake Island

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Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
Dashing Wave  United Kingdom 31 August 1870 A British tea clipper that struck a reef and sank.
Hayate  Imperial Japanese Navy 11 December 1941 A Japanese destroyer sunk by US Marines. 19°10′N 166°22′E / 19.167°N 166.367°E / 19.167; 166.367 (Japanese destroyer Hayate)
Kisaragi 18°55′N 166°17′E / 18.917°N 166.283°E / 18.917; 166.283 (Japanese destroyer Kisaragi)
Libelle  Bremen 4 March 1866 A German barque that shipwrecked on the eastern reef during a gale.[3]

New Zealand

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Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
Anjou  France 5 February 1905 A barque that struck rocks off the Auckland Islands. 50°46′37″S 165°53′15″E / 50.777075°S 165.887516°E / -50.777075; 165.887516 (Anjou (ship))
Arahura  New Zealand 24 January 1952 A passenger and cargo steamer that was sunk for target practice in Cook Strait.
Boyd  United Kingdom October 1809 A brigantine that was attacked by Maori warriors at Whangaroa. The ship was destroyed by fire during the resulting Boyd massacre.
HMS Buffalo  Royal Navy 28 July 1840 A storeship that was wrecked in a storm in Mercury Bay, with two lives lost. 36°49′36.20″S 175°42′20.00″E / 36.8267222°S 175.7055556°E / -36.8267222; 175.7055556 (HMS Buffalo (1813))
HMNZS Canterbury  Royal New Zealand Navy 3 November 2007 A Leander-class frigate that was scuttled as a dive wreck in the Bay of Islands. 35°11′38″S 174°17′40″E / 35.1938°S 174.2944°E / -35.1938; 174.2944 (HMNZS Canterbury (F421))
Cowan  New Zealand 9 March 1948 A wooden steam trawler that struck rocks in Lyttelton Harbour.
Darra 1951 A tea clipper, later used as a coal hulk, intentionally beached in Lyttelton Harbour.
Derry Castle  United Kingdom 20 March 1887 A barque that ran aground on Enderby Island. 50°29′04″S 166°18′10″E / 50.484323°S 166.302761°E / -50.484323; 166.302761 (Derry Castle (barque))
Dolphin  New Zealand 9 December 1862 A cutter wrecked near Quail Island, Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand
Dundonald  United Kingdom 7 March 1907 A barque that was wrecked in a storm off Disappointment Island, where the survivors remained for seven months until rescued. 50°36′29″S 165°57′17″E / 50.607938°S 165.954817°E / -50.607938; 165.954817 (Dundonald (ship))
Elingamite  Australia 5 November 1902 A steamship that struck West Island (one of the Three Kings Islands) and sank within 20 minutes. 34°11′10″S 172°01′54″E / 34.186047°S 172.031590°E / -34.186047; 172.031590 (SS Elingamite)
England's Glory  United Kingdom 7 November 1881 By getting too close in while waiting the arrival of the pilot.[4] off Nelson
Endeavour II  Canada 22 February 1971 A three-masted auxiliary barque driven onto the bar of Parengarenga Harbour, a few miles south of North Cape. There were no fatalities amongst the crew of thirteen men and one woman.[5] 34°31′18″S 173°00′37″E / 34.521762°S 173.010206°E / -34.521762; 173.010206 (Endeavour II)
General Grant  United States 14 May 1866 A barque that drifted into a cave on the western shore of the Auckland Islands and sank.
Holmbank  New Zealand 21 September 1963 A coastal trading vessel that was lost off Banks Peninsula
Holmglen 24 November 1959 A coastal trading vessel that was lost off Timaru. 44°31′20″S 171°41′22″E / 44.5223°S 171.6894°E / -44.5223; 171.6894 (MV Holmglen)
Hydrabad  United Kingdom 24 June 1878 A cargo and passenger sailing ship that was beached in the North Island in a storm.
Kaitawa  New Zealand 24 May 1966 A collier that capsized near Cape Reinga.
Mikhail Lermontov  Soviet Union 16 February 1986 A Soviet passenger liner that ran aground in the Marlborough Sounds. 41°02′32″S 174°13′10″E / 41.042087°S 174.219496°E / -41.042087; 174.219496 (MS Mikhail Lermontov)
RMS Niagara  United Kingdom 19 June 1940 An ocean liner that struck a mine and sank off Bream Head while carrying a secret consignment of gold from the Bank of England. 35°51′50″S 174°56′38″E / 35.86389°S 174.94389°E / -35.86389; 174.94389 (RMS Niagara)
Novelty  New Zealand 1877 A steam ship wrecked off Quail Island, Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand
HMS Orpheus  Royal Navy 7 February 1863 A Jason-class corvette that ran aground on the Manukau Heads, with 189 lives lost. 37°04.1′S 174°28.3′E / 37.0683°S 174.4717°E / -37.0683; 174.4717 (HMS Orpheus (1860))
Penguin  New Zealand 12 February 1909 A ferry that foundered off Cape Terawhiti.
Port Kembla 18 September 1917 A cargo ship that was sunk by a mine off Farewell Spit.
HMNZS Puriri  Royal New Zealand Navy 14 May 1941 A coastal cargo boat that was converted into a minesweeper, and hit a mine off Bream Head 25 days after being commissioned. 35°46′15″S 174°43′00″E / 35.77083°S 174.71667°E / -35.77083; 174.71667 (HMNZS Puriri (T02))
Queen Bee  United Kingdom 7 August 1877 A barque that ran aground on Farewell Spit.[6] 40°30′00″S 172°52′00″E / 40.50000°S 172.86667°E / -40.50000; 172.86667 (Queen Bee (ship))
Rainbow Warrior  Netherlands 2 December 1987 A fishing trawler that was purchased by Greenpeace in 1978 for use as a fundraising and protest ship. She was sabotaged and sunk by the French secret service at Auckland on 10 July 1985, and although later refloated, was found to be beyond repair and finally scuttled in Matauri Bay. 34°58′29″S 173°56′06″E / 34.9748°S 173.9349°E / -34.9748; 173.9349 (Rainbow Warrior (1955))
Rena  Liberia 5 October 2011 A container ship that ran aground on Astrolabe Reef, resulting in New Zealand's worst oil spill. The wreck broke apart and sank in January 2012. 37°32′25″S 176°25′45″E / 37.54028°S 176.42917°E / -37.54028; 176.42917 (MV Rena)
HMS Sandfly  Royal Navy 1868 A passenger paddle steamer used as a gunboat during the New Zealand Wars. In 1865 she reverted to civilian use and became Tasmanian Maid, before being wrecked off New Plymouth.
Sydney Packet  Australia 17 July 1837 A schooner that was wrecked in a storm off Moeraki, Otago.
Tararua  New Zealand 29 April 1881 A passenger steamer that struck a reef off Waipapa Point and sank the next day, claiming over 100 victims. 46°40′07″S 168°51′44″E / 46.6686°S 168.8622°E / -46.6686; 168.8622 (SS Tararua)
HMS Torch  Royal Navy 17 November 1924 An Alert-class sloop that ran aground in the Chatham Islands.
Torrington  Australia 27 June 1851 A brig wrecked in a storm in Lyttelton Harbour
HMNZS Tui  Royal New Zealand Navy February 1999 An oceanographic survey and research ship that was scuttled as a dive wreck. 35°35′00″S 174°32′22″E / 35.5832°S 174.5394°E / -35.5832; 174.5394 (HMNZS Tui (1970))
Victory 3 July 1861 A steamship that ran aground off Otago Peninsula. 45°50′33″S 170°43′56″E / 45.8425°S 170.7321°E / -45.8425; 170.7321 (Victory wreck)
Wahine  New Zealand 10 April 1968 A passenger ferry that ran aground and capsized, with 51 lives lost.
HMNZS Waikato  Royal New Zealand Navy 18 December 2000 A Leander-class frigate that was scuttled off Tutukata as an artificial reef. 35°39′10″S 174°32′40″E / 35.6528°S 174.5445°E / -35.6528; 174.5445 (HMNZS Waikato (F55))
Wairarapa  New Zealand 29 October 1894 A luxury steamer that hit a reef off Great Barrier Island. 36°04′03″S 175°21′07″E / 36.0674°S 175.3519°E / -36.0674; 175.3519 (SS Wairarapa)
HMNZS Wellington  Royal New Zealand Navy 13 November 2005 A Leander-class frigate that was scuttled off the coast of Wellington. 41°21.18′S 174°46.80′E / 41.35300°S 174.78000°E / -41.35300; 174.78000 (HMNZS Wellington (F69))
William and John  New Zealand 27 June 1851 A 10-ton cutter wrecked in a storm in Lyttelton Harbour

Polynesia

[edit]

French Polynesia

[edit]
Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
Lady of St Kilda  United Kingdom A schooner that was wrecked sometime shortly after 1843.

Hawaii

[edit]
Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
USS Admiral W. L. Capps  United States Navy
USS Arizona 7 December 1941 A battleship lost in the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. 21°21′53″N 157°57′00″W / 21.364775°N 157.950112°W / 21.364775; -157.950112 (USS Arizona (BB-39))
USS Barbero 7 October 1964 A Balao-class submarine sunk as a target off Pearl Harbor.
Bering  Russia January 1815 The Russian-American Company ship (also spelled Behring; formerly Atahualpa, an American maritime fur trade vessel) wrecked at Waimea Bay, Oahu.[7][8]
USS Carbonero  United States Navy 27 April 1975 A Balao-class submarine sunk as a target.
Carrier Dove  United States 21 November 1921 A schooner that struck a reef off Molokai.
Carthaginian II December 2005 A sailing boat that was sunk as an artificial reef. 20°51′45.8″N 156°40′30.7″W / 20.862722°N 156.675194°W / 20.862722; -156.675194 (Carthaginian II)
Cleopatra's Barge  Hawaii 6 April 1824 The royal yacht of King Kamehameha II that ran aground in Hanalei Bay.
USS Darter  United States Navy 7 January 1992 A submarine that was disabled in a collision with Kansas Getty, and sunk as a target off Pearl Harbor.
Ehime Maru  Japan 9 February 2001 A Japanese fishery high school training ship sank about 9 nautical miles (17 km) off the south coast of Oahu, after a collision with United States Navy submarine USS Greeneville. Nine of its crewmembers were killed, including four high school students.
I-18  Imperial Japanese Navy A Japanese midget submarine depth-charged at Pearl Harbor.
I-401 31 May 1946 An I-400-class submarine that was sunk as a target off Kalaeloa.
Kad’yak  Russia 1816 The Russian-American Company ship (also spelled Kad’iak and Kodiak; formerly Myrtle), wrecked at Honolulu Harbor, Oahu.[8]
USS LST-480  United States Navy 21 May 1944 A tank landing ship sunk following the West Loch Disaster in Pearl Harbor.
USNS Mission San Miguel 8 October 1957 A fleet oiler run aground on Maro Reef.
USS S-28 4 July 1944 An S-class submarine that sunk off Oahu.
USS Saginaw 29 October 1870 A sloop-of-war that ran aground off Kure Atoll.
San Pedro  United States 1996 Sunk by Atlantis Submarines Hawaii as an artificial reef.
USS Stickleback  United States Navy 29 May 1958 A Balao-class submarine sunk in a collision with USS Silverstein.
USS Tinosa November 1960 A Gato-class submarine that was scuttled after being used as an anti-submarine warfare target.
USS Utah 7 December 1941 A former battleship converted to a training and target ship lost in the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. 21°22′8″N 157°57′45″W / 21.36889°N 157.96250°W / 21.36889; -157.96250 (USS Utah (BB-31))
YO-257 1989 Sunk by Atlantis Submarines Hawaii as an artificial reef.

Pitcairn Islands

[edit]
Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
Acadia 5 June 1881 A mail ship that was wrecked on Ducie Island.
Bowdon April 1893 A ship that was wrecked on Oeno Island.
Cornwallis 23 January 1875 A ship that was wrecked on Pitcairn Island.
Khandeish 25 September 1875 A ship that was wrecked on Oeno Island.
Oregon 23 August 1883 A ship that was wrecked on Oeno Island.
Wild Wave 5 March 1858 A 1,500-ton clipper ship that was wrecked on Oeno Island.

Samoa

[edit]
Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
SMS Adler  Imperial German Navy 16 March 1889 A gunboat that was wrecked in the 1889 Apia cyclone. 13°49′36″S 171°45′53″W / 13.8266°S 171.7647°W / -13.8266; -171.7647 (SMS Adler)
SMS Eber A warship that was wrecked in the 1889 Apia cyclone. 13°49′53″S 171°45′07″W / 13.83139°S 171.75194°W / -13.83139; -171.75194 (SMS Eber (1887))
Staghound British Australian colony 21 November 1862 Drove ashore during a gale.
USS Trenton  United States Navy 16 March 1889 A warship that was wrecked in the 1889 Apia cyclone.

Solomon Islands

[edit]
Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
USS Chicago  United States Navy 30 January 1943 The Northampton-class heavy cruiser was sunk at the Battle of Rennell Island. 11°25′S 160°56′E / 11.417°S 160.933°E / -11.417; 160.933 (USS Chicago (CA-29))
USS Helena 6 July 1943 The St. Louis-class light cruiser was sunk at the Battle of Kula Gulf. 7°46′0″S 157°11′0″E / 7.76667°S 157.18333°E / -7.76667; 157.18333 (USS Helena (CL-50))
Jintsū  Imperial Japanese Navy 13 July 1943 The Japanese Sendai-class light cruiser was sunk at the Battle of Kolombangara. 07°38′S 157°06′E / 7.633°S 157.100°E / -7.633; 157.100 (Japanese cruiser Jintsū)
USS Juneau  United States Navy 13 November 1942 The Atlanta-class light cruiser was sunk at the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. 10°34′S 161°04′E / 10.567°S 161.067°E / -10.567; 161.067 (USS Juneau (CL-52))
Ro-34  Imperial Japanese Navy 5 April 1943 The Japanese Kaichū type submarine was sunk by USS O'Bannon and USS Strong off the Russell Islands. 08°15′S 158°58′E / 8.250°S 158.967°E / -8.250; 158.967 (Japanese submarine Ro-34)
Yūgumo 7 October 1943 The Japanese Yūgumo-class destroyer was sunk at the Naval Battle of Vella Lavella. 07°33′S 156°14′E / 7.550°S 156.233°E / -7.550; 156.233 (Japanese destroyer Yūgumo (1941))
Yura 25 October 1942 The Japanese Nagara-class light cruiser was bombed by US aircraft and scuttled off Savo Island. 08°15′S 159°07′E / 8.250°S 159.117°E / -8.250; 159.117 (Japanese cruiser Yura)

Ironbottom Sound

[edit]

Ironbottom Sound is the name given to the stretch of water between Guadalcanal and Florida Island, because of the dozens of ships and planes that sank there during the Guadalcanal Campaign in 1942–43.

Ship Flag Sunk date Notes Coordinates
USS Aaron Ward  United States Navy 7 April 1943 The Gleaves-class destroyer was sunk by Japanese aircraft during Operation I-Go. 9°10′30″S 160°12′0″E / 9.17500°S 160.20000°E / -9.17500; 160.20000 (USS Aaron Ward (DD-483))
Akatsuki  Imperial Japanese Navy 13 November 1942 The Japanese Akatsuki-class destroyer was sunk at the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. 09°17′S 159°56′E / 9.283°S 159.933°E / -9.283; 159.933 (Japanese destroyer Akatsuki)
USS Astoria  United States Navy 9 August 1942 The New Orleans-class heavy cruiser was sunk at the Battle of Savo Island. 9°12′33″S 159°52′3″E / 9.20917°S 159.86750°E / -9.20917; 159.86750 (USS Astoria (CA-34))
USS Atlanta 13 November 1942 The Atlanta-class anti-aircraft cruiser was sunk at the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. 9°23′24″S 159°58′44″E / 9.390°S 159.979°E / -9.390; 159.979 (USS Atlanta (CL-51))
Ayanami  Imperial Japanese Navy 15 November 1942 The Japanese Fubuki-class destroyer was sunk by gunfire from USS Washington. 9°10′S 159°52′E / 9.167°S 159.867°E / -9.167; 159.867 (Japanese destroyer Ayanami (1929))
USS Barton  United States Navy 13 November 1942 The Benson-class destroyer was struck by torpedoes from the Japanese destroyer Akatsuki.
HMAS Canberra  Royal Australian Navy 9 August 1942 The Kent-class cruiser was scuttled after taking damage at the Battle of Savo Island. 9°12′29″S 159°54′46″E / 9.20806°S 159.91278°E / -9.20806; 159.91278 (HMAS Canberra (D33))
USS Colhoun  United States Navy 30 August 1942 The Wickes-class destroyer was sunk by Japanese aircraft. 09°24′S 160°01′E / 9.400°S 160.017°E / -9.400; 160.017 (USS Colhoun (DD-85))
USS Cushing 13 November 1942 The Mahan-class destroyer was sunk at the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal.
USS De Haven 1 February 1943 The Fletcher-class destroyer was sunk by Japanese bomber aircraft during Operation Ke. 9°9′S 159°52′E / 9.150°S 159.867°E / -9.150; 159.867 (USS De Haven)
USS Duncan 12 October 1942 The Gleaves-class destroyer was sunk after taking damage in the Battle of Cape Esperance.
Fubuki  Imperial Japanese Navy 11 October 1942 The Japanese Fubuki-class destroyer was sunk at the Battle of Cape Esperance. 09°06′S 159°38′E / 9.100°S 159.633°E / -9.100; 159.633 (Japanese destroyer Fubuki)
Furutaka 12 October 1942 The Japanese Furutaka-class cruiser was sunk at the Battle of Cape Esperance. 09°02′S 159°33′E / 9.033°S 159.550°E / -9.033; 159.550 (Japanese cruiser Furutaka)
USS George F. Elliott  United States Navy 8 August 1942 The Heywood-class attack transport was sunk by Mitsubishi G4M bomber aircraft. 9°20′45″S 160°8′14″E / 9.34583°S 160.13722°E / -9.34583; 160.13722 (USS George F. Elliot (AP-130))
USS Gregory 5 September 1942 The Wickes-class destroyer was sunk by the Japanese destroyers Yūdachi, Hatsuyuki, and Murakumo.
Hiei  Imperial Japanese Navy 14 November 1942 The Japanese Kongō-class battleship was scuttled after taking damage at the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. 9°00′00″S 158°59′59″E / 9.00000°S 158.99972°E / -9.00000; 158.99972 (Japanese battleship Hiei)
Hirokawa Maru A Japanese military transport.
USS Jarvis  United States Navy 9 August 1942 The Gridley-class destroyer was sunk by Japanese aircraft. 9°42′S 158°59′E / 9.700°S 158.983°E / -9.700; 158.983 (USS Jarvis (DD-393))
USS John Penn 13 August 1943 The attack transport was sunk by Japanese aircraft off Lunga Point.
Kasi Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy 2 July 1943 The Japanese auxiliary minelayer/merchant ship, sunk in Mbaeroko Bay, near Munda, during a bombing raid by American B-25 bomber aircraft. 8°06′S 157°20′E / 8.100°S 157.333°E / -8.100; 157.333
USS Kanawha  United States Navy 8 April 1943 The Kanawha-class fleet replenishment oiler was sunk by Japanese Aichi D3A aircraft.
Kinugawa Maru  Imperial Japanese Navy A Japanese military transport.
Kirishima 15 November 1942 The Japanese Kongō-class battleship was sunk by USS Washington. 9°05′S 159°42′E / 9.083°S 159.700°E / -9.083; 159.700 (Japanese battleship Kirishima)
USS Laffey  United States Navy 13 November 1942 The Benson-class destroyer that was sunk at the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal.
USS Little 5 September 1942 The Wickes-class destroyer was sunk by the Japanese destroyers Yūdachi, Hatsuyuki, and Murakumo.
Makigumo  Imperial Japanese Navy 1 February 1942 The Japanese Yūgumo-class destroyer was scuttled after striking a naval mine. 09°15′S 159°47′E / 9.250°S 159.783°E / -9.250; 159.783 (Japanese destroyer Makigumo)
HMNZS Moa  Royal New Zealand Navy 7 April 1943 The Bird-class minesweeper was sunk by Japanese aircraft.
USS Monssen  United States Navy 13 November 1942 The Gleaves-class destroyer was sunk at the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal.
USS Northampton 30 November 1942 The Northampton-class heavy cruiser was sunk at the Battle of Tassafaronga. 09°12′S 159°50′E / 9.200°S 159.833°E / -9.200; 159.833 (USS Northampton (CA-26))
USS Preston 14 November 1942 The Mahan-class destroyer was sunk at the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal.
PT-37  United States Navy American PT boats
PT-44
PT-111
PT-112
PT-123
USS Quincy 9 August 1942 The New Orleans-class cruiser was sunk at the Battle of Savo Island. 9°4′32″S 159°58′30″E / 9.07556°S 159.97500°E / -9.07556; 159.97500 (USS Quincy (CA-39))
USS Seminole 25 October 1942 The Navajo-class oceangoing tug was sunk off Tulagi by Japanese destroyers. 9°23′0″S 160°13′14″E / 9.38333°S 160.22056°E / -9.38333; 160.22056 (USS Seminole (AT-65))
USS Serpens  United States Coast Guard 29 January 1945 The United States Coast Guard-crewed Liberty ship that exploded while anchored off Lunga Beach.
Takanami  Imperial Japanese Navy 30 November 1942 The Yūgumo-class destroyer was sunk at the Battle of Tassafaronga. 9°14′S 159°49′E / 9.23°S 159.82°E / -9.23; 159.82 (Japanese destroyer Takanami (1942))
Teruzuki 12 December 1942 The Akizuki-class destroyer was torpedoed by PT-37 and PT-40. 9°13′S 159°46′E / 9.217°S 159.767°E / -9.217; 159.767 (Japanese destroyer Teruzuki)
Toa Maru A Japanese military transport.
USS Vincennes  United States Navy 9 August 1942 The New Orleans-class cruiser was sunk at the Battle of Savo Island. 9°7′17″S 159°52′48″E / 9.12139°S 159.88000°E / -9.12139; 159.88000 (USS Vincennes (CA-44))
USS Walke 15 November 1942 The Sims-class destroyer was sunk at the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal.
World Discoverer  Liberia 30 April 2000 The cruise ship struck a reef in the Sandfly Passage and ran aground in Roderick Bay. 9°01′23.17″S 160°07′22.91″E / 9.0231028°S 160.1230306°E / -9.0231028; 160.1230306 (World Discoverer)
YP-284  United States Navy An American yard patrol craft.
Yūdachi  Imperial Japanese Navy 13 November 1942 The Japanese Shiratsuyu-class destroyer was sunk at the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. 09°14′S 159°52′E / 9.233°S 159.867°E / -9.233; 159.867 (Japanese destroyer Yudachi)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "USS McKean (i) (APD 5)". uboat.net. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  2. ^ "Enderbury Island, Phoenix Group, Republic of Kiribati". Janeresture.com. 28 September 2008. Retrieved 27 April 2010.
  3. ^ "Spennemann, The wreck of the Libelle and other early European Visitors to Wake Island, Central Pacific". Marshall.csu.edu.au. 9 October 2005. Retrieved 27 April 2010.
  4. ^ "Wellington". Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald And General Advertiser. Vol. XXII, no. 3002. Queensland, Australia. 8 November 1881. p. 3. Retrieved 27 April 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
  5. ^ Taylor, Roger (1 February 2008). Voyages of a Simple Sailor. Waltham Cross: The FitzRoy Press. ISBN 978-0955803505.
  6. ^ 'Wreck of the Queen Bee, from London', pg 2, Nelson Evening Mail, 8 August 1877
  7. ^ Malloy, Mary (1998). "Boston Men" on the Northwest Coast: The American Maritime Fur Trade 1788-1844. The Limestone Press. pp. 74–75. ISBN 978-1-895901-18-4.
  8. ^ a b Grinëv, Andrei V. (Fall 2011). "Russian Maritime Catastrophes during the Colonization of Alaska, 1741–1867". The Pacific Northwest Quarterly. 102 (4). Translated by Bland, Richard L. University of Washington: 178–194. JSTOR 24624633. Retrieved 1 December 2020.

Further reading

[edit]
  • Diggle, Lynton (2014). Shipwrecks of New Zealand: Companion to New Zealand Shipwrecks, 8th edition (2nd ed.). Auckland: Lynton Diggle. ISBN 9780473197247.
  • Edwards, Hugh (1978). Australian and New Zealand Shipwrecks & Sea Tragedies. Sydney: Currawong Press. ISBN 090800110X.
  • Ingram, C.W.N.; Wheatley, Percy Owen; Diggle, Lynton; Diggle, Edith; Gordon, Keith (2007). New Zealand Shipwrecks: Over 200 years of disasters at sea (8th ed.). Auckland: Hodder Moa. ISBN 9781869710934.
  • McLean, Gavin (2007). Full astern!: an illustrated history of New Zealand shipwrecks. Wellington, NZ: Grantham House. ISBN 9781869341039.
  • Taylor, Peter (2006). The Australian and New Zealand list of vessels lost, missing or taken from active service 1874-1949. Newport, Vic: Scuttlebutt Press. ISBN 9780975175460.
  • Wilkinson, Doug (1974). Shipwreck : Selected New Zealand maritime accidents. Wellington, NZ: Southern Press. OCLC 1419297.
[edit]
  • WRECKSITE Worldwide free database of + 65,000 wrecks with history, maritime charts and GPS positions