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Rod does not dwell on the political aspects, although he is also an impressive historian; instead his extremely high level of technical research and delivery about the wrecks is absolutely outstanding. The main part of this fascinating book details the location and condition of 22 shipwrecks and seven aeroplane wrecks, each with its own robust chapter. There are so many wrecks in Palau that the book could not possibly describe them all without becoming unmanageable. But those that are included show photographs from 1944 and today along with detailed maps.
This fascinating, excellently researched and informative book is absolutely invaluable
The book is wonderfully illustrated by Rob Ward, whose exquisite drawings are a wreckdiver’ s dream for underwater navigation purposes. Each wreck is also summarised at the end of each chapter. The wrecks of the Showa Maru and Nissho Maru( Helmet Wreck) have only recently been either discovered or identified, so it makes sense that two of the longest chapters are dedicated to these vessels, their auxilliaries and the clues that begin to draw out their stories.
I will be honest, the underwater photographs are not all high quality, but these wrecks can be deep and the visibility is often badly compromised. The illustrations more than make up for any photographic challenges and the photos themselves provide more of an atmospheric feel than a useful representation of the wreck.
Palau is about far more than reef and wall diving. If you are heading there to dive the wrecks, this fascinating, excellently researched and informative book is absolutely invaluable. SDOP