The Ultimate Stuck Tractor...

The Hoki Maru was originally the British - New Zealand ship Hauraki, and was a cargo ship with accommodation for twelve passengers. She was built by William Denny and Brothers at Dumbarton in Scotland, and launched on 28th of November 1921. Early in January 1944 the ship left Yokohama loaded with a full cargo of coal and other defence materials bound for Truk. When she got there she had no time to offload her cargo before she was bombed and sunk. It is about 120 feet to the sea bed where the Hoki now lays, but only 80 feet to the main amidships section. The wreck is well broken up and a large piece of her stern has disappeared altogether. The wreck is famous for its cargo of intact trucks and tractors, which rest partly on the hatch, cover beams on the second 'tween deck. The trucks are all complete with mudguards, headlights, and tyres. Some still have glass in their side windows. There is also a steamroller and a sort of bulldozer. Submitted by Jeff, from IL