Captain Dean Wreck

A Japanese transport vessel sunk during the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944, the Captain Dean (local name) lies on its side in 28 to 42 metres with much of its superstructure intact. The wreck has had decades of undisturbed growth and is now completely encrusted — lionfish hover in the wheelhouse, enormous grouper hold court in the cargo holds, and nudibranch species cover every corroded surface. Penetration is possible through the main holds with appropriate wreck-diving training. Schools of glassfish fill the interior spaces, regularly exploding outward when reef sharks circle.