Hey there, fellow Local Guides! Welcome to an exciting journey beneath the ocean’s surface, where history and mystery come together. Today, I am going to take you into the heart of the ancient seafaring world to explore the incredible Godawaya Shipwreck. It’s a testament to the fascinating relationship between humans and nature.
Located between Godawaya and the Hambantota sea area, this shipwreck holds the title of being the oldest known in the Asia-Pacific region. Dating back around 2,200 years to the 2nd century BCE, the Godawaya is truly a marvel of ancient maritime history.
Imagine the challenges faced by maritime archaeologists on this underwater expedition. They had to carefully manage dives, limited to 20 minutes at a time, with 45-minute breaks to adjust to the pressure difference. It’s a dance of precision and patience, mirroring the meticulous nature of their work.
Our destination lies approximately 32 meters below the surface. Once a bustling trading vessel, the Godawaya now rests in silence, with its scattered cargo whispering tales of mariners, merchants, and the ancient Indian Ocean trade routes. Since 2008, the site has revealed a treasure trove of artefacts, including blue-glass ingots, copper, pottery, grinding stones, and more.
Thanks to state-of-the-art 3D photogrammetric techniques, the Central Cultural Fund has meticulously mapped the site, documenting its significant features. This comprehensive understanding led to the discovery of nearly 100 unique artefacts during a large-scale excavation in 2019.
As we resurface and leave the Godawaya Shipwreck to its peaceful slumber beneath the waves, let’s reflect on the stories it has shared through the dedication and precision of maritime archaeologists. The Godawaya is more than just a shipwreck; it’s a time capsule that offers an unprecedented glimpse into our maritime past.
Thank you for joining us on this amazing voyage of discovery.