SL/E/KALM/M/26

This shipwreck is positioned at a maximum depth of 42m, about 15km off the coast of Oluvil, an area which is about 60km southeast of Batticaloa. Constructed by John Crown & Sons Ltd. in Sunderland (England) and owned by the British Royal Navy, HMS Hollyhock was launched on 19^th August 1940 and commissioned on the 19^th November 1940. This iron vessel weighed 940t and was 62.5m (205ft) in length and 10.1m (33ft 1in) in breadth. The hull depth of the ship was 3.5m (11ft 5in). Powered by two fire/water tube boilers and a  4-cycle triple-expansion reciprocating steam engine with a single propeller, this naval vessel was of 2750-horsepower and could reach a maximum speed of 16knots (nautical miles per hour). Further, this warship was equipped with numerous armaments including automatic weapons and was classified under the type of ‘Flower Class Corvette’.

HMS Hollyhock was sunk on the 9th of April 1942, upon the catastrophic bombardment of the Japanese air force during the World War II, causing 49 casualties. SS Athelstane was also sunk at the same time, just about one kilometer away from the HMS Hollyhock. Presently, the shipwreck rests on the seabed just by a small slope leading to deeper waters. The bow (front) section of the wreck is relatively well preserved in comparison to the stern (rear) section, which lies in a large debris field. The boilers are well exposed to the water.

HMS Hollyhock is one of the seven World War II shipwrecks in Sri Lanka that are divable, the others being SS British Sergent, SS Sagaing, HMS Hermes, SS Athelstane, HMAS Vamfire and SS Norviken. In addition to the multiple heritage values, the wreckage is inhabited by several fish species, enhancing the wreck’s value as a resource of biodiversity. Accordingly, a shoal of Blue-Striped Snappers is common while Eagle rays can be seen on occasion. However, the currents at this location can be very strong.

Other Information:

Nationality:  British,  Purpose:  Naval Vessel ,  Type:  Flower Class Corvette

tonnage:  940  grt ,  dimensions:  62.5 x 10.1 x 3.5 m , power:  2750  i.h.p. , speed:  16  knots 

engine:  2 × fire tube Scotch boilers or 2 x water tube boilers, 1 × 4-cycle triple expansion reciprocating steam engine, single shaft, 1 screw 

armament:  1 × 4 inch BL Mk.IX gun, 2 × .50" Vickers mg., 2 × .303" mg, 2 × MkII depth charge throwers, 2 × depth charge rails with 40 depth charges 

builder:  John Crown & Sons Ltd., Sunderland ,  owner:  British Royal Navy - Admiralty - RN, London