The Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon

In February 1944, Operation Hailstorm, a well-orchestrated attack on Japanese forces at Truk Lagoon by the American Navy, sent dozens of ships to a watery grave beneath the tranquil seas of Truk lagoon. In just a few days of fierce action, freighters, cargo vessels, submarine tenders, submarines and destroyers were all sunk, creating a watery grave of unprecedented proportions. Today, the tragedy of war has given way to the splendor of the underwater world as these ships have now been transformed into living reefs of riotous colors and teeming marine life.

This presentation first examines the history of the island and the wartime activities that took place here, and then takes the viewer on a journey to some of these fascinating ships, including the Fujikaka Maru, San Francisco Maru, Heian Maru and others.

Expedition Notes

Date: Friday, February 17, 2012
Track: Evening Film Festival
Time: Programs start at 8:30 pm

Maldives: Diving in the Rainbow Sea

The Maldives have long held a spot on many diver bucket lists. With picture-perfect beaches, remote island atolls and spectacular diving, the attraction is understandable. Many divers come to the Maldives looking for Liveaboard adventures. This program explores an alternative approach: luxury diving from land based resorts.

Join Eco-Photo Explorers as they explore the magnificent world beneath the tropical seas of the Maldives, with just a small dash of decadence thrown in!

Date: Saturday, February 18, 2012
Track: Dive The World, Convention Center
Time: 1:45 pm - 2:30 pm

Curacao, The Caribbean’s Desert Island

Curacao, an arid Caribbean island located just off the northern coast of Venezuela, boasts some of the best diving in the Caribbean. Divers can explore healthy reefs teeming with marine life and iconic shipwrecks rich in history and character, and photographers will revel in the gin-clear water that washes over the drop-offs from deeper water.

All this and you can still be back in time for lunch with the family! Join Eco-Photo Explorers on an adventure as they examine one of the most colorful islands in the Caribbean.

Date: Saturday, February 18, 2012
Track: Dive Travel & More, Convention Center
Time: 3:15 pm - 4:00 pm