SOKURYOSEN

TSUKUSHI Class Survey Vessel

(TSUKUSHI prewar - colorized photo by Irootoko Jr)

Hydrographic surveying involves mapping of the ocean floor to update nautical charts in support of military operations and to make navigation at sea safer. TSUKUSHI was purpose-built and equipped for this service. In Nov '43, she struck a mine laid by an American submarine and sank.

Builder and Year Completed: Mitsubishi, Yokohama. 1941
Displacement: 1,400-tons.
Dimensions: 269.7'' x 34.5' x 11.7'
Propulsion: 3-shaft diesel, 5700 bhp, 19.7 kts
Armament: 4 x 12 cm (4.7-inch) 45 cal AA guns , 1 aircraft