Kawanishi E15K "Shiun" (Norm) in Palau

In 2013 we were contacted by "The BentProp Project" and we were asked to confirm whether the Japanese seaplane they found during one of their dives in "a" Palau Island was a Kawanishi E15K "Shiun" (Norm). They shared only the photos attached to this post but we did confirm that it was indeed a "Norm" based on the contra-rotating prop photo. 

Here's a link to their expedition and the source of the attached photos.

We were very excited by the news and after they asked for further support, we shared freely the article we had featured in the first issue of our magazine and any other material we had in our collection at the time. In the article and in our email exchange we made it clear that the tail marking of the 12th Reconnaissance Squadron of the 61st Air Flotilla, or "Shiun Butai (Unit)" was not known.

The unit was based on the island of Arakabesan (A.K.A. Ngerekebesang, HERE) and we asked "The BentProp Project", in full confidence, to confirm that the wreck was in the area around the specific island, without of course revealing the exact location. They replied by saying that the location must be kept secret for fear of looters and they confirmed/revealed nothing to Arawasi. Thanks for the trust guys!

The last email we received from them was a few weeks later asking if we knew what tail markings the "Shiun" of the unit in Palau had. (I like the word "obtuse". I first heard it in the movie "The Shawshank Redemption". Just saying...)

You'll read more about the particular aircraft in the promised special. Be patient!

Check also this UTube video, here.

So, there you have it. There are two "Shiun" wrecks in the Pacific. In my opinion, the Chuuk wreck looks to be in much better condition and should therefore be raised and restored as best as possible. From what can be seen from the video, it is not part of any coral reef or any other natural formation and a scuttled boat or whatever would serve even better as a home to the fish and other marine animals. Of course unlikely that something like that would happen, and so this extremely rare seaplane will be left to dissolve at the bottom of the sea.