MV Awa Maru

Awa Maru 11249gt

MV Awa Maru was a Japanese ocean liner and cargo ship that played a significant role during World War II. Launched in 1943 by the Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line), the Awa Maru was designed to transport passengers and cargo between Asia and South America. However, with the outbreak of World War II, the ship was requisitioned by the Imperial Japanese Navy to serve as a transport and supply vessel.

Design and Construction

The MV Awa Maru was constructed by the Mitsubishi Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. at their Nagasaki shipyard. With a length of approximately 180 meters and a displacement of over 11,000 tons, the ship was one of the larger vessels in the Japanese merchant fleet at the time. It featured state-of-the-art technology and amenities, designed to provide comfort and luxury to its passengers on long voyages.

World War II Service

During World War II, the Awa Maru was converted into a hospital ship and later used as a transport ship under the protection of the Geneva Convention. This status was supposed to guarantee its safety from enemy attacks. The ship was tasked with carrying Red Cross supplies, wounded soldiers, and civilians between Japan and occupied territories.

Sinking

The tragic sinking of the MV Awa Maru occurred on April 1, 1945, when it was torpedoed by the USS Queenfish, an American submarine, in the South China Sea. At the time of its sinking, the Awa Maru was carrying a large quantity of relief supplies, as well as hundreds of passengers and crew members. Despite being illuminated and marked as a hospital ship, a misidentification led to its attack. The incident resulted in the loss of over 2,000 lives, making it one of the deadliest maritime disasters of World War II.

Aftermath and Legacy

The sinking of the Awa Maru led to a significant diplomatic dispute between Japan and the United States, with Japan demanding an apology and compensation for the incident. After the war, the United States formally apologized for the sinking and agreed to pay compensation to the victims' families.

The story of the Awa Maru remains a poignant reminder of the tragedies of war and the importance of respecting international laws and conventions. The ship's wreck is now a protected war grave, with its exact location kept secret to prevent looting and disturbance.

See Also

• List of maritime disasters
• Hospital ship
• Geneva Convention