DIVE LOG AUSTRALASIA FEB 2026

Wreck photography in Truk Lagoon W ithout a doubt, Chuuk Lagoon is one of the top wreck diving destinations in theworld. Here you can dive scores of wrecks and get your fill of rust, until you bite the dust, to your heart’s desire. The main model I used here was the Operations manager on the Truk Siren, Niall before it was destroyed in Cyclone May sek years ago. I am quite sure that he had done more than a thousand dives in Chuuk. text and photos by Mike Scotland

I have been fortunate to have dived in Truk Lagoon on two separate trips. The first in Jan,1990 and the second in June 2014. My first trip was mainly land based except for a few days on the Thorfin. They offered five dives a day on air. It was serious diving that American divers called Gorilla diving. It suited me just fine. The dive guides / tender drivers use blocks of metal or concrete as anchors and I was told that they lost a week’s wages if they lost a proper anchor. The ship’s captain was famous because he ‘ran’ a very tight ship. I assumed that our dive

guide has lost his anchor and had to make do. My second trip was on the Phinisi, the Truk Siren. She had been freshly serviced and repainted and was resplendent in snow white with sky blue trim. It was a majestic sight walking down the wharf to board her in the tropical sunlight. I was one of four guests with a very talented 29 year old Scot named Tom as Trip Director and a London Irish Operations Manager, Niall. Niall ran the dive schedule in the absolute best way.

This photo demonstrates two principles of composition that are all so important. The rule of thirds with the diver position 1/3 and the foreground, midground background principle. There are two main features that attract your attention but in this case, it adds to the overall effect as it shows a 3 D perspective. The model is engaging with the wreck and the camera. So important that it helps to make the shot. Nikon D200 Nexus Housing with Dome Port and 20mm wide angle lens.

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Dive Log Australasia #416 February ’26

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