Crash Site & Remains Kawanishi H8K Flying Boat

This Kawanishi H8K flying boat has a quite fascinating history. The Japanese commanding officer of the 4th Fleet and his general staff returned from a meeting on Palau to Truk Lagoon and were ambushed by U.S. fighter planes. The heavily damaged flying boat tried to land on the atoll, but crashed into sea at Roro island. The pilot, the admiral and his chief of staff survived the crash.

The Kawanishi H8K today:
It lies currently at the bottom of the sea at a depth of 15 meters (50 fsw), within Truk Lagoon. It can be reached by diving with diving equipment.

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Source

• Text: Kaj Metz
• Photos: Matt Kieffer