The Tōhō Maru was an oiler originally launched as a civilian oil tanker for Iino Kaiun Kaisha on May 1, 1936. As built, the vessel was designed for commercial purposes, primarily serving in the transportation of oil. Details about its exact dimensions and tonnage are not specified in the provided content, but its construction as a tanker indicates it was built to carry large quantities of liquid cargo, essential for maritime trade. In August 1941, the ship was requisitioned by the Imperial Japanese Navy and converted into a fleet replenishment oiler. This conversion transformed the vessel into a vital support ship for Japan’s naval operations during World War II. As an oiler, Tōhō Maru played a crucial role in refueling fleet units, enabling extended naval operations across the Pacific theater. During its service in the Pacific Campaign, Tōhō Maru supported Japanese naval forces, contributing to their logistical supply chain. Its operational history includes its participation in the broader scope of Japan's maritime warfare efforts. Unfortunately, the vessel’s service was cut short when it was torpedoed and sunk on March 29, 1943, in the Makassar Strait. The sinking was caused by the United States Navy submarine USS Gudgeon. The attack resulted in the loss of the ship, marking a significant event in the naval engagements of the Pacific War. The location of the sinking is given by coordinates near 0°00′N 118°19′E, emphasizing its strategic position in the Southeast Asian region. In summary, the Tōhō Maru was a vital logistical vessel that transitioned from civilian service to a military support role during wartime. Its sinking underscored the peril faced by supply ships in wartime naval operations and highlights its part in Japan’s maritime history during World War II.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.