Meet the site
Don Isidro was a fast, modern motor ship built in 1939 by Friedrich Krupp Germaniawerft in Kiel for the De La Rama Steamship Company's inter-island passenger and cargo service in the Philippines. She measured 97.8 m (320.9 ft) and 3,261 GRT and was driven by two nine-cylinder turbocharged diesels at up to 20 knots. After Japan attacked the Philippines in December 1941, she was chartered by the US Army as a transport and blockade runner.
She sailed from Brisbane on 27 January 1942 bound for Corregidor with rations and ammunition. On 19 February 1942 – the day of the first raids on Darwin – Japanese fighters strafed her about 25 miles north of Bathurst Island, destroying her lifeboats, and dive bombers then set her on fire. Captain Rafael Cisneros tried to beach her on the Tiwi coast, but she grounded about three miles offshore when her engines failed. Eleven of her 67 crew and one of the 16 soldiers aboard were killed; the detachment commander, Second Lieutenant Joseph Kane, later died of gangrene in Darwin. The Florence D was sunk nearby the same day.
The wreck lies off the north-west Tiwi coast at about 11°42.3'S 130°02'E. Its remains are protected under Commonwealth historic shipwreck legislation, and two relics – reportedly a silver salt dish and platter – are held by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
For divers, Don Isidro is more a historical landmark than an accessible dive: remote, undocumented and on a coast with strict Tiwi access rules. It matters as part of the story of the 19 February 1942 raids and the Filipino seamen who died in them. Anyone contemplating a visit should contact the NT Heritage Branch and Tiwi Land Council first.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Don Isidro is recorded as Wreck in Tiwi Islands. The listed access is boat (day trip). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Don Isidro suitable for my certification?
The record lists Wreck specialty recommended. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Don Isidro through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Unknown – no published underwater observations
Location
Remains of a Philippine motor ship beached burning off the north-west Tiwi coast on 19 February 1942 (11°42.3'S 130°02'E).
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.orgozatwar.comnt.gov.aunt.gov.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.