Morazan Maru Wreck

About the Morazan Maru Wreck

Originally built in England in 1908, this vessel served as a freighter and passenger liner, operating routes between Central America—such as Honduras and New Orleans. In 1941, the ship was captured by the Imperial Japanese Navy in Shanghai and repurposed as an auxiliary cargo vessel during World War II. For many years, the true identity of the wreck remained a mystery. Speculations and inaccurate information, including exaggerated lengths and fictional histories, circulated widely. It wasn’t until 2006 that German dive master and wreck enthusiast Marc Julius, together with his wife Eva during her divemaster training, conducted the first detailed mapping of the wreck. Their careful measurements revealed the ship’s actual length to be 93 meters—not the 120 meters often falsely reported online and in publications. Through extensive research and documentation, Marc successfully uncovered the vessel’s true history. Hats off to Mr. Julius for his dedication and discovery! Today, the Morazán Maru is one of Coron’s most popular wreck dives, thanks to its beauty, abundant marine life, and accessible depth. The wreck rests on its starboard side at a depth of 25 meters. Divers can easily explore its four large cargo holds, and one of the main highlights is the empty engine room—where two large boilers remain after the steam engine was salvaged in the 1960s. A salvage hole in the hull allows sunlight to stream into the wreck, creating a magical and mysterious underwater scene. The wreck is richly adorned with hard and soft corals. Marine life around the Morazán Maru includes large groupers, pufferfish, schools of juvenile barracudas, crocodile fish (flathead), and many scorpionfish—so be careful where you place your hands! Occasionally, you may also spot black-and-white banded sea snakes and sea turtles gliding by.

What Makes It Special

The Morazan Maru is celebrated for its relatively shallow depth and the ease with which divers can explore its structure. The wreck features large, open cargo holds filled with remnants of its wartime cargo, including bottles, metal equipment, and other artifacts. The ship’s exterior is now adorned with colorful coral growths, creating a vibrant habitat for marine life such as batfish, snappers, and scorpionfish. Divers can also enjoy penetrating the wreck safely, exploring its engine room and deck areas.

Highlights of Diving the Morazan Maru

• Depth: 18-25 meters
• Visibility: 10-20 meters
• Marine Life: Scorpionfish, batfish, snappers, and lush coral formations
• Unique Features: Large cargo holds, well-preserved structure, and artifacts
• Experience Level: Suitable for intermediate and advanced divers