The German heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen was captured by the allies in Europe at the end of World War II and brought to the Marshalls for use in the atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll in 1946. Surviving the tests, she was towed to Kwajalein, where she developed a leak and sank next to Ennubuj Island. Her bow is about 35 meters depth while the screws and rudder, obviously, protrude from the water. One prop (the sawed-off shaft) was removed and taken to a museum in Germany. The ship is an interesting dive, but due to the deterioration of the metal and upside down position, can be disorienting and potentially dangerous. Kwajalein Island can be seen in the background.
Alas, even in the far-off Marshalls, you cannot get away from vandals and graffiti. Those are some common Marshallese surnames painted on the prop blades and hub. The prop is also a rest stop for a noddy tern (on the prop blade) and a whimbrel (on the prop hub, with a long bill).
The Prinz Eugen can be seen from a distance sticking out of the calm water during the doldrums. For much of the year, strong tradewinds make diving here difficult or impossible.
An aerial view shows the large warship resting against the reef.
From farther back, you can see the Prinz Eugen on the lagoon reef of Ennubuj Island toward the left side of the photo.
