SL/E/KAYA/M/11

This shipwreck is positioned at a maximum depth of 25m, about 6km off the coast of Kayankerni, an area which is about 35km north from Batticaloa towards Trincomalee. Constructed by Palmer's Shipbuilding and Iron Company Ltd., in Newcastle-upon-Tyne (England), SS British Sergeant was operated by British Tanker Company, starting from 27^th February 1922. This iron vessel weighed 5,868t and was 122.1m (400ft 7in) in length and 16.5m (54ft 2in) in breadth. The hull depth of the ship was 10m (32ft 10in). Powered by two turbines with a single propeller, this steam vessel could reach a maximum speed of 10knots (nautical miles per hour).

SS British Sergeant was sunk on the 9th of April 1942, upon the bombardment of the Japanese air force during the World War II. Although no casualties were recorded, the ship was broken into two distinct pieces close to the mid of the vessel. The bow section lies upside down (with the keel up) on the sandy seabed while the stern (rear section) lies about 15m away from the bow, tilted to the starboard side. The large cavern in the hull of the bow section provides an opportunity to explore the inside safely. However, the propeller cannot be observed at the stern section seemingly buried under the sand. 

SS British Sergeant is one of the seven World War II shipwrecks in Sri Lanka that are divable, the others being HMS Hermes, SS Sagaing, HMS Hollyhock, SS Athelstane, HMAS Vamfire and SS Norviken. In addition to the multiple heritage values, the wreckage is home to a large aggregation of fish species, enhancing the wreck’s value as a resource of biodiversity. Accordingly, Blue-Striped Snappers can be observed, especially at the aft section, and several other species of schooling fish (i.e. Sri Lankan Rabbitfish, Blue Striped Snappers, Bluefin Trevally) seek shelter within the caverns of the ship. As such, the wreck site has become a target of the dynamite fishermen in the area and thus requires urgent protection.

Other Information:

Launched: 27 February 1922    Completed: August 1922

Type: Oil tanker Tonnage: 5,868 GT

Length: 122.1 m (400 ft 7 in) Beam: 16.5 m (54 ft 2 in) Depth: 10 m (32 ft 10 in)

Propulsion: 2 Steam turbines, single shaft, 1 screw    Speed: 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph)

Fate: Sunk on 9 April 1942