A country nestled in the Indian Ocean, known as Sri Lanka has become known for its rich history, culture and diving. Sri Lanka has been traveled by so many different people, and many of them have left their mark behind for all to see. It just so happens that some of the largest testaments to travelers are ships that were once carrying cargo and aiding in a county’s commerce. Ships that are now far below the water for a different kind of exploration, leaving divers treasure troves below to unlock on their excursions.
With nearly 200 shipwrecks estimated to inhabit Sri Lanka’s waters, divers have still been searching for evidence to make many of these official. The top ten shipwrecks of Sri Lanka that have been verified and noted by divers has contributed to the desire for divers to come here in search of a rich diving experience, and a trip back in time.
The Taprobane North Wreck
The capital area of Colombo is the home of many of the wrecks in Sri Lanka today. One of the most popular dives here with a world class rating, is the Taprobane North Wreck. This massive ship is still intact, and lies on a crisp, clean bed of sand. This wreck is home to thousands of fish, and aquatic vegetation, with visibility of up to 30 meters. Divers will see the propeller of this ship, and the soft corals overtaking this ship. It’s a mysterious looking sight, and haunting in the most beautiful way possible. This ship is so large, that it will take more than one dive to take it all in.
The Taprobane East Wreck
The Taprobane East Wreck is not far from the Taprobane North Wreck and lies at a depth of about 32 meters. It’s an excellent dive site with visibility of around 30 meters, teeming with glassfish. With calm waters and low winds divers get easy entry and a gentle dive. There aren’t any areas for the divers to pass through, but the frame of the ship is alive and well, and simply admirable. This ship rests on pristine, white sand and is home to shoals of butterfly fish and Napoleons.
The Cargo Wreck
The Cargo Wreck, a rather large cargo ship, was sunk in 1993. There isn’t much known about the origin of this ship, but it is believed to be a steel carrier from India. With visibility of up to 25 meters, any diver will note that this ship is on its starboard side, opening up a world of exploration for those who dare. Once at 32 meters, divers will notice the two life boats that accompanied this ship at that time. There are several species of fish that like to hang out here including Scorpion fish, Stingray, Fusiliers, Snapper, Grouper and Lionfish.
The Conch
The Conch is a site that is a must do for those who love wrecks. This 3,555 ton ship built by Stockton in 1892 was sunk in 1903 when she struck the Akarta rock. While spilling oil, it sank to the bottom where it still sits today. This ship takes up a large area, and is surrounded by many rocks and small quarries.
Hercules 1661
The Hercules 1661 is a ship that requires special permission to dive. This ship was found with a large bronze bell with an inscription that reads “AMOR VINCIT OMNIA ANNO 1625”. It was discovered while the Western Australian Maritime Museum was helping the Sri Lankan Government find a way to preserve its wrecks. This ship was originally built with the purpose of being a yacht to sail the routes of Asia. In addition to the bell, there were 30 large cannons that were located at a later date, near where the ship had sunk. This ship today is home to various marine life including Octopus, Turtles, Lobster, and Ornamental Fish.
The Rangoon
Rangoon is claimed to be one of the most beautiful wrecks to dive in Galle, and is over 100 years old. This ship landed in its resting place right side up in the sailing position which is quite unusual. This ship comes into view at about 32 meters, and is home to hundreds of Jelly Fish. The visibility here is amazing, at about 20 meters or more.
The MV Cordiality
The MV Cordiality, is the only known wreck at Pulmudai, and is known as one of the best dives in Sri Lanka with a depth of 18 meters. This is a massive vessel that was carrying limonite at the time it sank. LTTE Terrorists were responsible for sinking this ship in the 90’s, killing five Chinese crew members that were on board. The MV Cordiality is now home to schools of fish including Lionfish, Butterflyfish, Scorpionfish, and Juvenile snappers. Divers can explore the stern and the deck of this ship, and will see the Black Coral growing all around.
The Admiral Floating Dock 23
The Admiral Floating Dock 23 is known as one of the largest ship wrecks in the world, with an 80,000 ton dry dock and is over 1,000 feet long and 200 feet wide. This ship was docked alongside the Valiant when one of its buoyancy tanks broke loose. The impact of their damage was severe, and therefore the ship was sunk by Japanese dive bombers to its resting place today. Special permission is required in order to dive at this site.
The Irrakandy Wreck
The Irrakandy Wreck is located in the Trincomalee area, and with a depth of 9.5 to 12 meters. This ship is not in good condition, which makes it a great place for fish to call home. This ship remains a mystery, leaving historians to still ask “Who sunk this ship?” Divers are able to locate the propeller and engine, but the rest of it is beyond recognition. This ship was more than likely of British origin, and was a coal steamer. With so many little openings around this ship, this site is home to many species of Grouper, Morays, Octopus, Snapper, Batfish and Trevally.
The HMS Hermes
The HMS Hermes, a Royal Navy ship, gets its name from the Greek messenger god Hermes. This ship was an aircraft carrier during WWII, and also provided officers with accommodations during the year of 1938. In 1942, the ship was sent out along with the Eastern fleet and came under attack with bombs from a Japanese aircraft just outside of Ceylon.
Divers are able to explore the bow of the ship, and can see anchors still intact as they drift with the currents. There are Black Corals, and schools of Snapper fish to engage the diver’s view just over a sloping valley. The treasures here are war guns that still lie around the ship, and a propeller that is still in its place. The HSM Hermes is yet another fascinating dive in Sri Lanka, still bringing history to life after all these years.
Sri Lanka is no doubt a land of history, but there is a nice variety of wrecks to dive here to give you a glimpse into what happened in the Indian Ocean and surrounding areas.