Dive-site story
Sunk off the coast of Kouri Island during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, the USS Emmons (DD-457/DMS-22) is a Gleaves-class destroyer minesweeper that rests on a sandy seabed. Struck simultaneously by five kamikaze aircraft, the warship was scuttled by gunfire to prevent capture. The intact wreck lies largely on its starboard side, showcasing recognizable gun turrets, propellers, ammunition, and the remains of one of the attacking Japanese aircraft nearby.
Well-preserved WWII destroyer-minesweeper with naval artillery and deck machinery intact
Engines, hull structure, and anti-aircraft mounts accessible along the superstructure exterior
Wreckage of a downed Japanese kamikaze aircraft lying on the seabed near the main hull
Schools of pelagic predators schooling above the superstructure in passing currents
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Calmer sea conditions prevail from late spring through autumn, though typhoons can disrupt dive schedules during late summer.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bigeye TrevallyCaranx sexfasciatus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Great BarracudaSphyraena barracuda | Common | ||||||||||||
| Red LionfishPterois volitans | Common | ||||||||||||
| Giant GrouperEpinephelus lanceolatus | Rare |
Marine forecast
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