19 May 2020 12:01 am
Taprobane East wreck
SS Conch wreck
History of shipwrecks
Ceylon has been an important trade and shipping port along the then Silk Route from China to Europe. When taking a dive into Sri Lankan waters, one could catch a glimpse of many shipwrecks, many which are yet to be discovered and explored. By exploring them, marine researchers believe that Sri Lanka’s bond with the Indian Ocean could be further exposed. “Many maritime vessels of yesteryear were made of wood and therefore they have decayed over the years,” said Rasika Muthucumarana, Maritime Archaeologist at Maritime Archaeology Unit, Central Cultural Fund, Galle and member, International Committee on Underwater Cultural Heritage, during a webinar organised by the Institute of Archaeology and Heritage Studies to shed light on the importance of shipwrecks in Lankan waters. “Sri Lanka’s maritime history has been further proved by several inscriptions; Polonnaruwa Duwegala Inscription (2nd Century B. C), Anuradhapura Inscription (1st and 2nd Centuries B. C) and an Inscription from Tissamaharama (2nd Century B. C). All of these inscriptions mention potsherds found in maritime vessels. Trading along maritime routes died down with the end of the British rule. They wanted to dominate international trade but Sri Lankan folk never learned the skill. As a result, other than for fishing purposes, people didn’t need boats, yachts or other vessels.”
Godawaya Shipwreck
One of the earliest shipwrecks is the Godawaya shipwreck that dates back to over 2000 years. The site included a concreted mound of corroded metal bars and a scattering of other ancient cargo, including glass ingots and pottery. Maritime archeologists suggest that this is probably the oldest known shipwreck in the Indian Ocean.
“The shipwreck was discovered following two rock inscriptions at an ancient temple situated in Godawaya, an ancient port city turned fishing village situated between Ambalantota and Hambantota. Two inscriptions were examined and reported in the early 20th Century. Then in 1930, Prof. Senarath Paranavithana read, prepared estampages and published them. The main inscription mentions about a seaport situated at Godawaya. Many items that were traded between countries including clay pots were found from this ship,” he added.
Polypropylene nets laid over Avondster wreck
Silver Coin Wreck
The Silver Coin Wreck dates back to 1702 which could be seen even today near the Great Basses Reef in Kirinda. It is said that the discovery of this wreck by Sir Arthur C. Clarke and Mike Wilson pioneered maritime archeological excavations in Sri Lanka. During their excavations around 1701 silver coins were found. The fascinating account of the discovery is recounted in Arthur C. Clarke’s book ‘The Treasure of the Great Basses Reef.’ It also inspired Mike Wilson to debut his first feature movie ‘Ranmuthu Duwa’ produced by Shesha Palihakkara and Arthur C. Clarke which was also the first colour movie in Sinhala cinema.
According to Dive Sri Lanka,a website maintained by maritime researcher Dharshana Jayawardena, the ship belonged to the Mogul Emperor Aurangzeb, son of Shah Jahan who built Taj Mahal in Agra, India.
SS Conch
Distribution across Sri Lanka
Muthucumarana further said that around 50-60 shipwrecks could be found near the Colombo harbour. “However they have been incidents that have happened 10-20 years ago. Other shipwrecks could be spotted around the island, especially near harbours. There were stone anchors found near the Galle Harbour, depicting Indo-Arabian patterns. The Avondster Wreck is a famous archeological site near the Galle Fort. Records suggest that the ship had been loading a cargo of Areca nuts and has run ashore on July 2, 1659.”
According to Sri Lanka’s Amazing Maritime (www.slam.lk), a website maintained by independent marine researcher Howard Martenstyn there are around 26 maritime archeological sites in Galle alone. It further states that shipwrecks with treasures, priceless ceramics and coins from various maritime nations could be found near ancient ports such as Mantai and Trincomalee as well. Most of the World War II shipwrecks could be found on the Eastern seaboard at Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Vakarai and Kalmunai. The infamous MV Farah III shipwreck was a popular attraction on the coasts of Mullaitivu before it was completely removed from its site a few years ago.
Shipwrecks and marine life
Why protect shipwrecks?
Pic courtesy :
Maritime Archaeology Unit and Department of Archaeology