The Hanakawa Maru was launched on 31 August 1943 from the Kawasaki Dockyard for Kawasaki Kisen. She was a freighter of 4,793 tons gross, 112 meters long and 15.8 meters wide powered by a 2,000 hp coal powered steam turbine engine. This gave the ship a cruise speed of 10 knots and a maximum speed of 15 knots. The ship entered service on 25 October 1943 but really never entered the service that it was intended for, being taken over by the Imperial Japanese Navy on 25 December 1943. On 18 February 1944 the Hanakawa Maru was anchored south east of Tol Island in Chuuk Lagoon. The Hanakawa Maru sank almost immediately, within four minutes there was only an oil slick showing. The ship exploded so badly as it was apparently carrying aviation fuel (more about this later) and this was what caused the huge explosion. Today the wreck of the Hanakawa Maru lies on a sloping bottom that goes from about 24 to 34 meters. It is located about 2 kilometers meters from the south eastern point of Tol Island. Tol Island is located a very long way from Moen Island (the main island) and it takes at least one hour to get there. It is the most remote of all the shipwrecks in Chuuk Lagoon. Despite the huge explosion that sank the ship, it is fairly intact. Dive boats normally anchor on the superstructure which is about 15 meters. This has a lot of growth. Starting from the bow, this has an anchor chain running out across the sand. Behind the large forecastle and on the sand are numerous drums. These appear to have been thrown overboard when the ship was hit by the torpedo and when it sank. This is a very good wreck and it is worth the long boat drive to get to it.