Site MI-JL-LA-001: Scattered wreckage of Kawanishi H8K in shallow water off Emidj

Site MI-JL-LA-001a: One wingtip float of a Nakajima A6M2-N type 2 seaplane fighter

Site MI-JL-LA-002: Intact wreckage of Kawanishi H8K in deep water

Site MI-JL-LA-001

• Scattered wreckage of Kawanishi H8K in shallow water off Emiej (lagoon).
• GPS coordinates 06° 00.794′ North; 169° 43.005′ East
• The coordinates given in the 1997 NPS Survey are 06° 00.766′ North; 169° 43.020′ East.
• The slight discrepancy is probably due to the scattered nature of the wreckage.

This site was inspected and filmed on the afternoon of May 8, 2004 and was found to be generally as described in the 1997 survey. There does, however, appear to be evidence of attempted salvage. The wing has been flipped over and the engine nacelles now face aft of the cockpit area although the propellers remain on the lagoon bottom close to their original orientation (see right). A heavy modern-type wire cable remains attached to one of the propellers and does not appear to be associated with a mooring.

To see underwater footage of this aircraft, click HERE.

The Kawanishi H8K, Allied codename “Emily,” was the most advanced flying boat design of the Second World War. From its introduction in 1941 the type served the Imperial Japanese Navy as an outstanding long-range patrol bomber and transport. Three H8Ks were based at Jaluit. Specs: Description: 4-engined long-range reconnaissance flying boat Crew: 9 Power plant: 4 Mitsubishi MK4A Kasei 12 14-cylinder air-cooled radials, 1,530 hp at takeoff, driving 4-bladed propellers Wingspan: 124′8″ Length: 92′3″ Height: 30′0″ Cruise speed: 184 mph at 13,145′ Range: 3,888nm

Site MI-JL-LA-002

• Intact wreckage of Kawanishi H8K in deep water
• GPS coordinates 06° 00.677′ North; 169° 42.982′ East
• The coordinates given in the 1997 NPS Survey – 06° 00.766′ North; 169° 43.020′ East – are the same coordinates given for the other Kawanishi H8K (Site MI-JL-LA-001) and are not correct for this site.

This site was inspected and filmed on the morning of May 8, 2004 and was found to be generally as described in the 1997 survey. The aircraft is largely intact although inverted and with the tail section detached. The immense size of the flying boat makes for a impressive wreck and the severed rear fuselage provides relatively safe access to the aircraft's cavernous interior.