As many diving enthusiasts will agree, the ultimate diving experience lies in wreck diving – which provides an unparalleled thrill that is both educational and exhilarating. Since the Maldives Islands is made up of an archipelago of around 1,192 islands, it is not surprising that these waters hold many a wreckage of ships that sank to a watery grave at the depth of the Indian Ocean, and subsequently birthing some excellent diving sites. Among the diving locations that attract thousands of divers to the Maldives each year, those looking to experience the dark and mysterious element of wreck diving will head to Maldives’ premier diving location, which is the Victory Wreck.
The Victory was a 35,000-ton Singaporean freight ship carrying tourist goods that rammed into the seabed close to the southern tip of Hulhule Island on Friday the 13th, February 1981. Amazingly, the ship stands bolt upright, 30 meters beneath the surface of the clear blue waters, its mast still intact. Over time, the vessel has amassed an abundance of thriving marine life, and its hull is now encrusted with coral, sea-sponges and gorgonian sea fan. Since the underwater visibility here is quite good, divers will be treated to myriad sea creatures that include the likes of moray eels, mantis shrimp, scorpion fish and turtles, to name a few citizens of populating this unique waterscape. Whilst exploring the various decks of the Victory wreck, divers will also see remnants of cargo such as cement bags, cigarettes and bottles – a chilling reminder of the human life that once inhabited the vessel.
As awe inspiring and inviting as the Victory wreck might be, it is also fraught with dangers such as jagged metal edges and sharp coral that might pose peril to amateur divers, which is why diving here should only be attempted by experienced scuba divers. Lessons are readily available on the island for those who want to prepare for this adventure, and those who experience it can take back magical memories from the world under the ocean.
The Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas ranks among the finest of Maldives resorts, as it offers luxurious villas with a private pool. Tucked away in a secluded lagoon on the serene island of Kihavah Huravalhi, this quality option of the luxury Maldives spa resorts boasts one of the few underwater restaurants in the world.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
