MAXIMUM DEPTH: 32m
MINIMUM DEPTH: 25m
BOAT TRIP: 20-25 minutes
MINIMUM LEVEL: Advanced
The SS Rangoon Wreck is located right in front of the historic Galle Fort at one of the most historic harbors in Sri Lanka, Galle Harbor. The fort is the finest surviving example of a Dutch Fort in the whole world. It seems that the Rangoon had sunk right in front of the harbor mouth in 1871. This was one of many ancient ships that arrived and returned to this harbor centuries ago. When you immerse yourself deeper and closer to the wreck, you will find the SS Rangoon which is a 60M long 1800 Ton heavy sailing/steamer built by Samuda Bros of London in 1863.
At 25 meters deep, we begin to see the dark, mysterious shape which we gradually identify as the ancient SS Rangoon Ship Wreck; also, commonly related to the appearance of a Viking Ship (we wish!).
The gigantic Rangoon is still resting peacefully upright, on the beautiful bed of Galle harbor’s white sandy bottom. Fortunately, most of the wreck is still well defined except some minor parts which have broken down and sunk into the sandy bottom, but still an interesting observation for us all since the marine life have found a new habitat within the fragmented ship parts.
Due to the uncovered patch of sand we can still see, this reflects beautifully onto the site helping the clear visibility at even 32 meters. Here we can see a large school of Blue Striped Snappers; amongst them unite a smaller school of Sri Lankan and Javanese Rabbitfish, Grey Snappers and the dashing Blue Fin Trevally. Numerous red Soldierfish and the millions of little Glassfish and Jellyfish also live amid the Wreck.
