Chuuk Lagoon · 7°25′N 151°47′E
Report oil, damage and sightings from the WWII wrecks of the Federated States of Micronesia. Every observation helps.
Known leaks and wrecks under watch across FSM waters. Seen something that isn't listed? Report it.
Up to date
Off Uman, Chuuk Lagoon, Chuuk
Divers found oil leaking from the wreck on 11 September 2025 and a state of emergency followed. A collection tank was later placed over the leak point. Oil residue was still being observed on some shorelines in late December 2025. Report any new sheen or fuel smell immediately.
Chuuk Lagoon, Chuuk
One of three wrecks currently treated as most at risk of leaking. No active leak is listed. Divers and boat crews are asked to report any sheen, bubbling or fuel odour near the site.
Chuuk Lagoon, Chuuk
A former fleet oiler with significant fuel oil believed to remain in her tanks. No active leak is listed. Please report any sheen, bubbling or fuel odour near the site.
Eighty years beneath the lagoon.
Millions of litres of oil may still be aboard.
Every observation counts.
Experts cited by ABC News (October 2025) estimate up to 22 million litres of oil remain inside the wrecks. Background: Japanese shipping under attack in Truk Lagoon, 17 February 1944. US Navy photograph, public domain.
WWII heritage
More than 60 wrecks rest in Chuuk Lagoon alone. These three are currently most at risk of leaking oil, and are the sites we watch most closely.
38 documented wrecks with depths, oil-risk ratings and an interactive map.
Open wreck database
Eye on FSM gives divers, boat crews, tour operators and local communities a simple way to report what they see. Over eighty years these wrecks have become reefs, war graves and fishing grounds. Your reports help keep them that way.
ObserveOn the water
You notice a sheen, a fuel smell, damage or something unusual. Note the time and place, and take photos from a safe distance.
ReportAbout 3 minutes
Use the form below or email Oil.Spills.Chuuk@gmail.com. You can stay anonymous. In an emergency, call first.
ReviewUsually 24 to 48 hours
Every report is read and checked. Anything urgent, such as fresh oil, a grounding or a collapse, is escalated straight away.
RespondAs needed
Where action is needed, reports go to the relevant environmental agencies and response teams with your photos and location.
UpdateOngoing
Confirmed risks appear on the Current risks board above. If you left contact details, we'll let you know what happened.
Both go to the same team. Choose whichever fits what you saw. Anonymous reports are welcome.
2026
Project Tangaroa is supporting a demonstrator at the Rio de Janeiro Maru. An alliance of Waves Group, Recoverit International and United Salvage aims to show that oil can be removed from a deteriorating wreck safely and transparently, then processed for reuse by local communities. The approach is designed to be repeated at other high-risk wrecks.
3 Feb 2026
ABC Radio Australia's Politok asks why the Pacific is still waiting for the world to take responsibility for leaking WWII wrecks. Guests include a Chuuk Lagoon marine ranger, a marine archaeologist and a pollution adviser from SPREP. Rebroadcast on 23 June 2026.
Dec 2025
With help from donor partners, a collection tank was placed over the leak point and the Governor's office reported the leak had stopped. Situation reports in December 2025 still noted oil residue along docks, seawalls and mangroves.
17 Oct 2025
Chuuk Lagoon holds more than 60 WWII ships and aircraft. Corrosion, storms and a warming ocean are weakening their hulls, and experts estimate up to 22 million litres of oil may remain sealed inside. Removing it is a major logistical and financial task.
15 Sep 2025
Divers spotted oil leaking from the wreck on 11 September 2025, and a state of emergency was declared four days later. Oil was later reported along shorelines and in mangroves close to communities that rely on the lagoon for food.
Can't find what you need? Email Oil.Spills.Chuuk@gmail.com.
