Look around the stunning paradise island with WW2 wrecks, that's become a haven for dark tourism

The Sun

09-07-2025

A REMOTE paradise island, littered with abandoned World War II wrecks, has become a popular destination for dark tourists.
During the Second World War, battles spread to the Pacific, where Japanese and American troops fought on tiny islands.
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One of these islands has now become a playground for history fans, who flock to look at the abundance of abandoned tanks and ships.
In 1944, Peleliu, a small island in Micronesia, was the site of a bloody battle between the US and Japan.
The battle raged on for almost two months between September 15 and November 27, with 10,900 Japanese troops and 1600 US troops killed in action.
It became one of the bloodiest battles to take place in the Pacific during the war, with the Americans claiming victory.
More than 60 Japanese ships were destroyed in the area, many of which remain underwater today.
Japan managed to salvage some of the ships, but those that weren't saved have now become covered in coral and marine life, making them a haven for divers.
One of the most visited wrecks is Teshio Maru which was damaged by US aircraft during the brutal battle.
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Those who venture underwater to see the shipwreck can marvel at the deck gun, which is visible at the front of the boat.
Chuyo Maru, which was hit by a US bomb is still mostly intact, making it another popular choice for divers.
An anti-aircraft gun can be spotted at the back of the boat, which lies upright on the seabed.
The Helmet Wreck, which was found by divers exploring the area, still has depth chargers on board, whilst Jake's Seaplane is partly visible from the surface.
The island is also littered with rusty abandoned tanks, with trees sprouting out of the top and vines looping around the body.
Visitors to the island can pay to take a guided tour of the tanks, plus bunkers and an old Japanese airstrip.
The island also has a museum filled with artefacts from the battle.
Travellers can also visit Orange Beach, where US troops first arrived to the island.
And eagle-eyed tourists may even be able to spot bullets and shells in the sea or on the island.
What is dark tourism?
Dark tourism, also called grief tourism or thanatourism means visiting sites associated with disaster or suffering.
Examples of popular dark tourism locations are Aushwitz in Poland and Chernobyl in Ukraine.
This type of tourism has soared in recent years, although some experts have questioned its ethics and whether it is respectful to families of victims.
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