This photo shows the immediate aftermath of the detonation of ordnance by the US Navy EOD Team, Guam by request of the Governor of the CNMI, Frolian C. Tenorio.

The explosion caused major coral fracturing and destruction, silting, disturbance of toxic materials from the wreck
itself, fish and marine mammal kill and total destruction of what was left of the wreck itself.

This event was unnecessary as was proven by a private UXO contractor who came in at a later date and at a similar
site, removed and relocated ordnace without the massive overkill that happened here. The contractor also did the job
in less time and much less expensive than the government operation.

June 13, 1996 - Rota Island - Northern Mariana Islands - Micronesia

Back to "Coral Garden" Page