First Diver on the HIJMS Yamashiro Wreck
Casualties of the last major naval battle in history, battleships HIJMS Yamashiro and HIJMS Fuso were sunk on 25 October, 1944, in the Strait of Surigao, Leyte, Philippines.
The HIJMS Yamashiro now rests in the Straits at a depth of 196 metres. Several teams of highly experienced technical divers, including the late John Bennett, have tried to dive this famous shipwreck, but were hindered by the extreme depth, ripping currents, lack of logistical support and a recompression chamber, and the remote location.
But on 18 July, after an exhausting 6-hour dive, Cedric Verdier became the first and only diver to successfully explore the HIJMS Yamashiro shipwreck. Read more about his experiences and the Yamashiro Project at www.cedricverdier.com/yamashiro.html