Wreck Hunters

In this episode of "Wreck Hunters", hosts Ernie Lopez and Wowie Wong meet some of the vanguards of the waters of Boayan Bay, San Vicente, Palawan. Ditchay and Philippe Girardeau's "love story" has always revolved around their shared love and passion for the oceans. After settling down in what they consider paradise, they literally fought their way to the hearts and minds of local fishermen in their efforts to spread the concept of environmental sustainability. With the help of both the private and public sectors, and an interesting twist of fate, the Boayan Bay artificial reef system was born. Who would've thought that a burning fishing vessel would turn out to be one of the most relevant wrecks to be hunted?

In the morning of September 24, 1944, during the 2nd World War, the Americans did a surprise air strike and bombed several Japanese warships off the coast of Coron, Palawan. One of the vessels that were hit in that battle was the Kyokuzan Maru. Relatively intact and sunk in a close to upright position, it is by far one of the most exciting wrecks to dive in as it has all the elements one would imagine from a Japanese warship. Harder to find yet definitely worth the trip.

On this episode of "Wreck Hunters", hosts Ernie Lopez and Wowie Wong deviate from the usual travel show features made about Coron, Palawan and go as far back as World War II to catch a glimpse of this island's storied past. The story begins on that fateful morning in September 24, 1944, when Coron became the backdrop of one of the most significant battles between the Japanese and Americans during the 2nd World War. Several Japanese warships were sunk by the Americans that day including the seaplane tender Akitsushima. Still intact after more than 75 years underwater, the Akitsushima offers divers not only a rare peek into history, but also a challenging dive not meant for the weak of heart.

Hosts Ernie Lopez and Wowie Wong travel to one of the strongest US Naval strongholds in the country and reminisce about the former glory that used to be synonymous to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Though it seems that the "ship has sailed" for this once robust recreational hub, Subic's underwater wreck sites continue to lure in divers with their remarkable historical offers and beautiful scenery. A three-pronged adventure awaits the "Wreck Hunters" as they dive through Subic Bay's WW II shipwrecks; the USS New York, the LST, and the El Capitan.