A group of divers exploring the marine life near Kalpeni Island, part of the Lakshadweep archipelago, made an extraordinary discovery on Saturday morning. They stumbled upon the wreckage of what appeared to be a warship, sparking intrigue and excitement among marine explorers and researchers.
Discovery of the Wreck
The team of divers, led by Satyajeet Mane, from Brannadives, a local divers’ group, initially did not realize they had discovered a warship. The wreck was located on the western side of Kalpeni Island, at a depth of just four to five meters, near the mouth of a lagoon. Upon closer inspection, the divers identified a cannon and an anchor, which led them to believe that the ship could be a significant historical find.
Mane described the wreckage as spread over the deeper parts of the Arabian Sea. The size of the ship and the presence of cannon and metal components suggested it could have been a European warship. Further exploration is necessary to determine the exact nature of the ship and its origins.
Theories About the Ship’s Origin
Researchers believe the wreck might have belonged to one of three European powers: the Portuguese, Dutch, or British. The ship could have been sunk during the 17th and 18th centuries, a period marked by intense competition among European nations for control over the maritime route connecting the Middle East and Sri Lanka. This route was vital for trade and military dominance in the region.
Idrees Babu, a scientist from the Department of Science and Technology, noted that such a shipwreck had not been previously recorded in the region. He speculated that the ship could have been 50 to 60 meters in length. The East India Company began using iron ships in the 17th and 18th centuries, and Babu emphasized the need for underwater archaeological studies to gain more insight into the wreck.
Challenges in Identifying the Ship’s Construction
The shipwreck’s condition, including coral growth and corrosion, has made it difficult to determine whether the ship was made entirely of iron or had wooden components. The coral growth indicates that the ship has been submerged for several centuries. The Portuguese, for instance, continued to use a combination of iron and wood in their ships, while the British had transitioned to iron ships by the 17th century.
Future Exploration and Protection
The divers, in consultation with experts, plan to inform local authorities about the discovery. Given the potential historical significance of the wreck, there is a need for further exploration and protection of the site. The shipwreck could provide valuable insights into maritime history and the colonial era in the Indian Ocean.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Where was the shipwreck discovered?
- A) Near Sri Lanka
- B) Near Kalpeni Island, Lakshadweep
- C) Near the Arabian Peninsula
- D) Near the Maldives
- What led the divers to believe that the wreck was a warship?
- A) The shape of the wreck
- B) The discovery of a cannon and an anchor
- C) The ship’s color
- D) The presence of a treasure chest
- Which European powers are believed to have possibly owned the ship?
- A) Portuguese, Dutch, or British
- B) Spanish, French, or Dutch
- C) British, Portuguese, or Spanish
- D) French, British, or Dutch
- What was the depth at which the wreck was found?
- A) 10-15 meters
- B) 50-60 meters
- C) 4-5 meters
- D) 100 meters
- What challenges are faced in identifying the ship’s construction?
- A) The ship is too deep to explore
- B) Coral growth and corrosion make it difficult
- C) The ship is too new
- D) The ship was made of paper