Divers Find First Of Its Kind Wreck Of Historic European Warship Off Lakshadweep

A team of divers exploring near Kalpeni Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago has found the wreckage of a European warship.

The shipwreck, believed to date back to the 17th or 18th century, was found on the western side of the island on Saturday.

This discovery, described as the first of its kind in the region, has garnered interest from historians and archaeologists. Experts believe the ship could have belonged to one of the major European powers active in the region during that time-Britain, Netherlands or Portugal.

The wreck, estimated to be 50 to 60 meters in length, was found with artefacts like a cannon and an anchor, which gives hints that it was a warship.

Experts say that the ship might have been constructed using iron or a combination of iron and wood, materials typical of European vessels from that era.

Satyajeet Mane, who led the diving group, reportedly said that the team initially did not realise the importance of the find. Upon closer inspection, the presence of the cannon and anchor confirmed that it was likely a warship.

Marine scientist Dr Idrees Babu, a mentor to the divers, said that the coral growth and corrosion on the wreck show that it had been submerged for several centuries. He added that such a discovery had not been recorded in the Lakshadweep region before.

Dr Babu explained that the ship’s design and materials reveal that it may have been used during maritime conflicts over control of trade routes between the Middle East and Sri Lanka. He discussed the need for underwater archaeological studies to determine the ship’s origins.

Experts believe the ship may have been involved in conflicts over trade route dominance during the 17th and 18th centuries. The East India Company and other European powers frequently used iron ships for trade and warfare during this period.

References: LiveMint, TOI

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