Hirokawa

The Japanese transport Hirokawa Maru was sunk in 1942 quite close to the beach near Bonegi Creek which is about 8 miles (13 km) west of Honiara, and is commonly referred to as “Bonegi I”.   It was built in 1940 and was originally 479 feet long but the bow is now completely shattered.  The bow section is popular with snorkelors because it is about 16 feet (5 m) deep with an abundance of coral and fish life.

The stern lies at 180 feet (55 m) and is a little deep for recreational divers. The propellers were salvaged in the 1960's.  Because of the depth of this wreck, all dives to the stern are decompression dives which require the appropriate training and experience.  For safety reasons, twin tanks with a separate regulator and gauges on each tank, and a dive computer are required for diving beyond 100 feet on this wreck.

However, you can do an easy dive towards the stern and stop at 100 feet (30 m).  Then swim up the ship towards the bow, through the engine room and the bridge, and then examine the kingpost and masts.  Spend a delightful safety stop in the coral encrusted bow section with thousands of fish.