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8 Km West Of Colombo

SL/W/COLO/M/14

Wallet Wreck · Taprobane North barge

District
Colombo
Depth
30.00–40.00 m
Vessel type
Iron Hull, Bulk Carrier

Overview

A quite perfectly symmetrical (along length) shipwreck of unknown type. Seems to be non-motorized as no engines, fuel source, propeller rod, propellers or a rudder is visible. Rests, listing to one side (Port or Starboard is not clear) on seabed 40m deep. Prolific marine life. This is a really unusual wreck, that requireds further investigation. 

This is one of the four 'Coral Wrecks' of Colombo along with Toilet Barge, Lotus Barge and Black Coral Wreck. However it is situated much further northwest of those three wrecks.

The soft coral growth on the wreck makes it very scenic for underwater photography. It also attracts a huge shoal of Blue-Striped Snappers and othe shoaling fish around it. During day time, Giant Trevally and/or other large pelagics seek shelter within its confines.

The wreck has hardly changed over the last decade, since its discovery based on information by fisherman in the area. 

Wallet Wreck (Bow or Stern) 19 Mar 2010 © Dharshana Jayawardena / Ghosts of the Deep - Diving the Shipwrecks of SL
From inside of the wreck 19 Feb 2015 © Dharshana Jayawardena / Ghosts of the Deep - Diving the Shipwrecks of SL
Marine life at the Wallet Wreck 16 Feb 2019 © Rasika Muthucumarana
Bow end of the wreck 16 Feb 2019 © Rasika Muthucumarana
Video 16 Feb 2019 © Rasika Muthucumarana

Location

District: Colombo

Province: Western

Depth profile

30–40 m

Protection & status

Access
None
Legal status
None
Archaeological value
Medium
Threat
Deterioration

References & publications

  • Jayawadena, D. (2016) Ghosts of the Deep - Diving the shipwrecks of Sri Lanka, Vijitha Yapa Publications, Colombo, pp.60-66.

Record provenance

Recorded
2010-03-19
Last updated
2021-05-24
Biodiversity survey
Incomplete

Data: National Shipwreck Database / CCF–MAU