NBM Dive Site Resource
USS Robalo (SS-273) submarine wreck
Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines
USS Robalo was lost off Balabac Island in 1944. Divers documented the wreck in 2019, and the U.S. Navy confirmed it in 2020.
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Featured Hero Photograph
Aquatic life at this dive site
What divers may encounter
Three reviewed connections are featured here. Sightings vary by season, conditions, and chance, so they are never guaranteed.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Site media
Photographs
Three views rotate from the published gallery on each visit.
Contributor media
Dive videos
Three featured video positions are reserved on every profile.Regional location and nearby land
Location map
The map marks nearby land for historical orientation. It does not show a wreck coordinate or dive waypoint.Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Recent field observations
Diver-reported temperatures
Automatically checked observations from dives during the past 14 days. Three reports are visible at a time; scroll for more.A report that passes the automatic checks will appear here with the dive date, diver’s display name, and temperatures at each depth.
Reports are automatically checked for plausible dates, depths, and temperatures. They are observations, not forecasts; confirm conditions before diving.
Why divers know this place
Highlights
Sea Scan Survey and Project GATO documented the wreck. The Wisconsin Maritime Museum records U.S. Navy confirmation in February 2020.
Shipwreck-only module
The wreck
This section appears only on shipwreck records and brings the vessel, its loss, present condition, access, and responsible wreck-diving considerations into one place.
- Vessel type
- U.S. Navy Gato-class fleet submarine
- Cause of loss
- Robalo is believed to have struck a mine on 26 July 1944. Four men survived the sinking and were captured. None returned.
- Present condition
- The 2019 images show exterior fittings and hatches. Current conditions have not been verified.
Before you arrive
Access notes
This wreck is a war grave. Current public access is unverified. The regional map marks nearby land and omits the exact wreck position.
Plan within your training
Conditions and hazards
Historic survey only. Current conditions and hazards have not been verified.
Independent resource notice
This record is a starting point for independent verification. Access, closures, moorings, weather, currents, depth, visibility, operator availability, and site conditions can change without notice. Confirm current information with the responsible operator, property owner, managing authority, or another qualified local source before planning or attempting a dive.