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Gampaha

SL/W/WATT/M/30

MV Georgiou K · Sugar Wreck

Period
Modern
Year sunk
1994
District
Gampaha
Depth
2.00–10.00 m
Vessel type
Bulk Carrier, Motor Vessel

Overview

The MV Georgios K., affectionately known as "Seeni Nava" or Sugar Wreck, was discovered during an off-transect survey of Pipeline Route R2. The surrounding area boasts a rich marine life, indicating ongoing fisheries' activities that have attracted various marine species. Trapped fishnets, or ghost nets, are visible in the vicinity of the shipwreck, posing potential hazards to marine life.

 

This shipwreck is situated at a maximum depth of approximately 12 meters, with visibility limited to less than 50 cm, making it a challenging site for divers. Despite its relatively shallow location, the wreck's steel structure and the presence of marine life make it an intriguing destination for underwater exploration.

The wreck has been identified as parts of the MV Georgios K., a cargo ship registered under the flag of St. Vincent & Grenadines and constructed in 1965. The ship's dimensions were 82.5 meters in length, 12.2 meters in width, and 7 meters in height. It met its demise on July 13, 1994, after running aground.

Local fishermen have provided valuable information about the ship, confirming its identity as the MV Georgios K., which was carrying a cargo of sugar when it sank during the early 1990s. After examining the remains and considering its construction features, the scattered shipwreck is estimated to cover an area of 30x30 meters on the sea bed.

Further library studies corroborated the identity of the wreck as the MV Georgios K., which was salvaged after its sinking. Lack of significant historical or archaeological value, the wreck has become a site of interest for fishing not for diving.

Remains of iron hull 1 Jan 2022 © Rukshan Priyandana
Remains of iron hull 7 Jan 2022 © Rukshan Priyandana
Remains of iron hull 7 Jan 2022 © Rukshan Priyandana
Remains of iron hull 23 Mar 2022 © Rukshan Priyandana
Remains of iron hull 7 Jan 2022 © Rukshan Priyandana

Location

District: Gampaha

Province: Western

Depth profile

2–10 m

Protection & status

Access
None
Legal status
None
Archaeological value
Low
Physical protection
None
Degradation
Corrosion
Degradation
Fragile
Owner terrain
Sri Lanka Navy
Owner site
Sri Lanka Navy
Authority
Sri Lanka Navy
Threat
Corrosion
Threat
Deterioration

Vessel chronology

1994

Year sunk

1965 – 1994

Time period estimate

Record provenance

Recorded
01/01/2022
Last updated
2023-07-22
Biodiversity survey
Incomplete

Data: National Shipwreck Database / CCF–MAU