Uncover History and Marine Wonders: Dive into the SS Worcestershire
During World War I, Colombo, Sri Lanka, was a crucial maritime hub in the Indian Ocean, where the SS Worcestershire served as a silent sentinel amid the naval activities and threats of enemy attacks. On February 16th, 1917, after departing Colombo, the ship tragically struck a mine off the coast of Sri Lanka, sinking swiftly and ending its storied career. Decades later, the wreck of the SS Worcestershire was rediscovered 15 km off the coast of Colombo by local dive explorer Dharshana Jayawardena, lying at a depth of 57 meters. Now a popular dive site, the wreck offers experienced divers a chance to explore the ship’s remains, which are encrusted with coral and inhabited by diverse marine life. The SS Worcestershire wreck dive is not only an underwater adventure but also a journey back in time, offering a unique blend of historical discovery and the vibrant life of a thriving underwater ecosystem.
The Enigma of MV Medhufaru (30m)
The MV Medhufaru, now resting at 30 meters beneath the waters off Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka, offers an intriguing dive adventure despite its midship’s partial collapse, which has toppled the front loader to its side. Remarkably, the ship remains 90% intact, making it an excellent dive site. Originally hailing from Malé, Maldives, the Medhufaru sank on May 31, 2009, under mysterious circumstances, sparking various theories. For two years, the Sri Lankan Navy kept a close watch on the wreck due to legal and salvage issues, but now, with security lifted, the site has become a haven for marine life and divers alike. The wreck, draped in fishing nets like silken robes fit for a pharaoh, offers a superb multi-level dive from the 30-meter sandy bottom, revealing broken pipes, machinery parts, and the crown jewel—a fully intact backhoe in excellent condition.
The Pecheur Breton: Better known as the Cargo Wreck
The Pecheur Breton, once known as the Cargo Wreck until its true name was uncovered, is renowned as one of Sri Lanka’s most exciting and cherished wreck dives. Resting at a depth of 32 meters, this 90-meter vessel has evolved into a vibrant haven for marine life, with divers frequently encountering giant stingrays, massive groupers, graceful eagle rays, playful dolphins, and even the occasional whale shark. Recent monsoons have altered the wreck, causing a section of the hull to collapse and create a massive swim-through, adding a thrilling new dimension to the dive. The wreck’s picturesque surroundings, combined with its rich marine life, make it a must-visit for divers. The ship’s impressive size and well-preserved state evoke a sense of awe, turning each dive into an adventure filled with wonder and forging a unique connection with the mysterious depths of the ocean.
Explore the Enchanting Thermopylae Sierra
Just off the coast of Mount Lavinia lies the captivating wreck of the Thermopylae Sierra, sitting 23 meters below the surface. Once a proud Cypriot vessel, it fell into neglect and succumbed to a fateful monsoon on August 23, 2012. Schools of fish weave through the ship’s nooks, and corals add vibrant color, transforming the wreck into a breathtaking dive site. Despite its considerable size, the shallow depth allows for a thorough exploration in a single dive, where you might encounter shoals of rainbow runners, darting trevally, and, if lucky, graceful eagle rays. The ship’s bridge, suspension wires, steel pipes, and masts are visible both above and below the water, with a small part of the buried rudder exposed at 23 meters, though the propeller remains hidden. The Thermopylae Sierra has evolved into a stunning underwater oasis, reflecting nature’s ability to reclaim and transform, creating a vital habitat for marine creatures.
The Battery Barge (45 Km): A Hidden Marine Wonderland
Located 45 km off the coast, the Battery Barge may be small compared to other shipwrecks in Sri Lanka, but it serves as a vibrant sanctuary for marine life. This seemingly modest wreck has transformed a barren stretch of sand into a thriving underwater oasis. Adorned with a stunning array of sea fans and soft corals, the barge is a visual delight, with saw tooth feather stars clinging to its structure and a school of snappers gracefully swimming over the broken hull. Inside the steel remnants, lionfish float serenely, while hundreds of cardinalfish form a shimmering haze around a healthy growth of black coral. In the vastness of the ocean, the Battery Barge stands as a cradle of life, offering divers a breathtaking glimpse into a vibrant and dynamic underwater world.
Explore the Fascinating Car Wreck:
The MV Chief Dragon, an older car carrier once loaded with automobiles and parts, now provides an extraordinary underwater adventure. Despite the central collapse of the wreck, its bow and stern remain upright, serving as vibrant hotspots for marine biodiversity. The deck and seafloor are scattered with remnants of its cargo, while massive schools of fish swirl around corals that have overtaken old machinery, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Beneath the layers of aging steel, the ocean has carved out a basin around the prop shaft, teeming with yellow blue-line snapper. Diving into a crack above a collapsed deck board in the stern reveals a tool room complete with a workbench, compressors, and a large vice clamp, exposed by recent collapses. Constantly subjected to strong ocean currents, the wreck continuously degrades and forms new reefs, offering fresh exploration opportunities. With few divers visiting, each dive unveils unique discoveries, making every visit a thrilling experience.
The Wallet Wreck (Taprobane North Barge)
Diving down to the Wallet Wreck, also known as the Taprobane North Barge, is like entering a colossal cradle of life. At 40 meters deep, the pristine white sand remains untouched by sediment, providing visibility of over 30 meters. The ship’s bow rises majestically, resembling a giant wallet overflowing with oversized coins—an enchanting illusion enhanced by narcosis. Neon fusiliers swirl over the hull in a vibrant, pulsating mass, seemingly dodging an invisible predator. The wreck is adorned with colorful soft corals and black coral, creating patches of Anthias fluttering above these miniature underwater forests. With numerous nooks and crannies to explore, the wreck invites divers to immerse themselves in its protective embrace.
The Taprobane East Wreck (32m)
The Taprobane East Wreck stands as one of the most breathtaking shipwrecks you’ll ever encounter. Resting upright on pristine white sand, this 20-meter-long derelict vessel is a visual marvel. Unlike many other wrecks in Colombo, it holds no dark secrets or hidden passages—just its skeletal remains serving as a sanctuary for a vibrant array of marine life. A massive shoal of glassfish envelops the ship, their twisting, turning, and pulsating movements creating a mesmerizing display. Visibility often dims due to these tiny fish, adding a mystical charm to the dive. On the clean white sand, a stingray glides by, pausing briefly before heading into the deep blue ocean. With just a 45-minute boat ride from the bustling city of Colombo, the Taprobane East Wreck offers a heavenly underwater escape where the simple beauty of a shipwreck transforms into an unforgettable experience.
Dive into the Toilet Barge (32 M)
Resting at 32 meters, the Toilet Barge unveils a stunning display of beauty in the dark depths of the ocean floor. This steamship, which sank in 1983, has evolved into one of the most remarkable artificial reefs in the area. Although small, measuring about 10 meters in length, it has become a vibrant oasis for marine life and lush corals. Adorned with clusters of small corals, the wreck hosts a rich array of sea creatures, creating a scene reminiscent of a boat with wings. Positioned on the ocean bed facing west, the ship’s single-boiler steam engine and remnants of a toilet near the boiler are still discernible, lending it the whimsical name “The Toilet Barge.” Despite the ravages of time, the intricate details of this vessel continue to captivate divers, blending history with marine splendor.
The Legendary Wreck of HMS Hermes:
Off the East Coast of Sri Lanka lies the HMS Hermes, a WWII shipwreck with significant historical and diving allure. Commissioned in 1923, the Hermes was the world’s first purpose-built aircraft carrier. It played a crucial role in naval warfare until it was sunk in April 1942 by a Japanese air assault from the carriers Soryu, Hiryu, and Akagi, the same fleet that attacked Pearl Harbor. The Hermes went down alongside the HMAS Vampire, HMS Hollyhock, and the RFA Athelstane, suffering a devastating bombing from around eighty Japanese aircraft. Now resting at 53 meters off Batticaloa’s coast, the Hermes is a rare dive site due to its accessible depth and dramatic combat history. Diving the HMS Hermes offers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of WWII history and a monument to naval engineering. This legendary wreck provides an unparalleled adventure, intertwining history and the sea in a stunning underwater experience.
Unearth the SS Perseus:
The SS Perseus, a British armed merchant vessel, played a vital role during World War I, transporting troops, supplies, and goods while being equipped to defend against enemy attacks. However, its journey was tragically cut short on February 20th, 1917, when it struck a Hertz Horn Sea Mine laid by the German raider SMS Wolf. Now resting over 40 meters deep, the SS Perseus wreck offers a compelling dive experience, requiring advanced diving skills and preparation. As divers descend, they are met by the haunting silhouette of the ship, surrounded by thriving marine life and corals. Exploring the wreck reveals the impact of the explosion and the passage of time, with artifacts offering a tangible link to the ship’s operational days and the broader naval history of World War I.