THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A regular scuba diving expedition off Varkala has turned out to be a thrilling and memorable experience for a group of divers. Little did they expect that their marine exploration trip would lead them to the discovery of a shipwreck.
The mystery shipwreck discovered 10km offshore of Nedunganda Beach, located between Varkala and Anchuthengu, is expected to transform Varkala into a sought-after international destination for scuba diving. Efforts are on to unravel the history of the sunken-wrecked ship, which is lying 45m deep in the sea.
Multiple assumptions are making the rounds about the story of the sunken ship. Some believe it could be a British cargo ship that was torpedoed by Japanese submarines during World War II. Another assumption is that it is the wreckage of a Dutch ship that was sunk centuries ago.
A team of three divers from Varkala Watersports, a scuba diving club, had discovered the wreckage last week. “Although the divers spotted the wreckage, nothing much about it could be confirmed,” said Vinod Radhakrishnan, administrator of Varkala Watersports.
“We have around eight diving sites at Varkala and the discovery was unexpected and unbelievable. From the preliminary examinations, the ship could be 80 or 90 years old. But all these are assumptions. A detailed scientific study should be undertaken to unravel the history of the wreck. The wreckage is so deep that only skilled divers can reach and enter it,” he said. The discovery has opened new avenues of tourism at Varkala.
According to tourism department authorities, the news could draw adventurers and divers from across the globe.
Wreckage to be studied in detail
Chief executive officer of Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society Binu Kuriakose said the department will make an effort to transform Varkala into an international scuba diving destination.
“We have introduced many adventure water sports activities at Varkala and the discovery of the ship wreckage has turned out to be a boon,” he said.
The department has decided to conduct a detailed study of the wreckage to unravel its history so that it can be turned into a major attraction for adventure seekers.
“We have many ideas as underwater experiences are trending. This could be an opportunity in terms of tourism and we can recreate more experiences under the sea for divers,” he added.