By Historic Shipwreck Discovered
A team of divers exploring the waters near Kalpeni Island in the Lakshadweep Archipelago made an exciting discovery on Saturday: the wreck of what is believed to be a 17th or 18th-century European warship. The wreck, found at a depth of just 4-5 meters near the mouth of a lagoon, contains a cannon and an anchor, which suggests that the ship might have been involved in historic maritime battles.
Possible European Origins of the Warship
The divers believe the wreck could belong to one of three European naval powers—Portuguese, Dutch, or British—which fought for control over key maritime trade routes in the Arabian Sea during the 17th and 18th centuries. The presence of a cannon and anchor supports the theory that the ship was involved in these power struggles.
Satyajeet Mane, the lead marine explorer, shared that while they initially didn’t recognize the wreck as a warship, finding the cannon and anchor made them realize its potential significance. He added that further underwater exploration is needed to confirm the ship’s origins.
Underwater Research and Protection Needed
The wreckage spans deeper parts of the Arabian Sea, and researchers suggest that the ship may have been 50-60 meters in length. Dr. Idrees Babu, a scientist and mentor to the diver group, pointed out that no similar shipwreck had been recorded in the region previously. The ship is believed to date back to the period when iron ships were first used by the East India Company.
However, the coral growth on the wreckage and corrosion make it difficult to determine whether the ship was made entirely of iron or if it contained wooden components. The presence of coral growth indicates the ship has been submerged for several centuries.
Next Steps and Ongoing Exploration
While the discovery is a significant find, further underwater archaeological studies are required to uncover more about the ship and its history. The wreck site must be protected in the meantime to preserve this important discovery.
The site near Kalpeni Island could provide valuable insights into historical maritime trade routes, European naval power struggles, and shipbuilding techniques of the 17th and 18th centuries.
Key Highlights of the Discovery
- Location: Kalpeni Island, Lakshadweep
- Shipwreck Age: Estimated to be from the 17th or 18th century
- Artifacts Found: Cannon and anchor, indicating a European warship
- Possible Origins: Portuguese, Dutch, or British
- Next Steps: Further underwater archaeological research to confirm the ship’s origins and history
This historic shipwreck could be an important clue in understanding maritime history and European dominance over ancient trade routes.
