Wrecks

Japanese Era Cargo Wreck

During Japan’s occupation of Indonesia, a cargo vessel carrying copra, wood, and rattan caught fire while sailing. The helmsman attempted to return to port, instead running the ship aground on a nearby beach. Fortunately, all crew members survived. This incident occurred in 1942, the same year Gorontalo gained independence from foreign rule. Years later, a sudden storm pulled the vessel into the ocean, but instead of sinking into deep
waters, it lodged onto three coral pinnacles. Now resting upside down below a dramatic coral wall, the wreck extends from 26 to
over 50 meters in depth. Two-thirds of the hull leans against a rocky outcrop at a 14-degree angle before leveling out at the stern. Its metal structure is fragile, evidenced by a major hull
tear at 44 meters, providing a glimpse into the wreck’s interior. The bottom of the stern is adorned with striking maroon gorgonian whips. The burned bow remains largely exposed,
revealing its original decks. A 2010 storm further damaged the wreck, breaking off its deepest section. Miguel’s Diving strictly prohibits penetration due to the wreck’s brittle condition.

Tjenderawashi Barge Wreck

.On December 26, 1993, the dredging barge Tjenderawashi was tethered at the ferry port when a powerful storm struck. Massive waves overwhelmed the vessel, sinking it overnight. Workers attempted to refloat the barge using dozens of empty oil barrels, but their efforts failed. Today, the wreck lies along a steep slope, caught on four rocky outcroppings at a 20-degree angle.

The barge’s bottom faces upward, with encrusting marine life only beginning to take hold. However, its underside and hanging cables are richly covered in sponges, soft corals, and oysters. Schools of fish—including lionfish, batfish, large sweetlips, and various angelfish—have made this site their home. Remarkably, Miguel’s Diving staff has documented 140 fish species here. Several giant clams thrive in the crane tower. Notably, the uncommon Twinspot chromis flourish in the shadows beneath the barge.

Miguel’s Diving staff photographed and collected an unknown shrimp species from this site, submitting it for research. In 2003, it was named Coleman’s coral shrimp (Vir colemani). This purple-jointed beauty is common in Gorontalo waters.