SHOTOKU MARU

The Shotoku Maru was a Japanese Auxiliary Gunboat that happened to be cruising along the west coast of Rota on the day of June 28, 1943 when it was discovered by the American submarine U.S.S. Tunny (SS-282).

The submarine captain, Lt.Cdr. J.A. Scott, maneuvered so that the unlucky Japanese vessel was in his periscope sights.

He then launched a torpedo attack from position 14.10N - 145.03E that was successful and ended up sinking the Shotoku Maru.

The event was photographed and the photos are available below.

It is unfortunate that the waters around Rota drop off very quickly to very deep depths, so that the final resting place of the ill-fated ship is out of diver depth range and hasn't been seen since the day it sank. It's still waiting to be found.

Side Note: From the book "United States and Allied Submarine Successes in the Pacific and Far East During World War II" by John D. Alden and Craig R. McDonald on page 86 - Submarine Tunny position: 14 degrees 10 minutes North, 145degrees 3 minutes East.

Positions listed for the Shotoku Maru: 14 degrees 7 minutes North, 145 degrees seven minutes East.

Also 14 degrees 7 minutes North, 148 degrees 7 minutes East.

A rather large area since seconds are not stated.

Information provided by Mr. Dave Lotz of Guam

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