www.DiveSriLanka.com - H.M.S Hermes

Just after the 53 Meter plunge to the Hermes another dive seems unthinkable. Yet the Boiler Wreck seems to be perfectly located right on the way back from from the Hermes and more importantly, at the perfect depth for the bags of Nitrogen we are! After diving the worlds first purpose built air craft carrier an hour ago; diving an unidentified and obliterated wreck is without doubt a bit of an anti-climax. But the Boiler Wreck does not disappoint. In fact it is a very gratifying and fun dive for any diver regardless of whether Hermes dominated the equation.

In the sunlit shallows this is a wonderland. The wreck is strewn over a large area. One thing is immediately clear. This was once one big ship. The most interesting part is the four large boilers close together almost in perfect formation. A long shaft, presumably the crankshaft ends with a magnificent propeller. Such a massive propeller cannot even be found at the Hermes.

In any direction, lies a large debris field of grotesque & twisted shapes now melting almost seamlessly into the sea scape; effects of the turbulent shallows making sure that all but the sturdiest parts of the wreck remained for posterity. Some parts of the ship provide passages for swim troughs, and also provides hinges on which colorful and beautiful soft coral grow; covered with an equally beautiful swarm of Basslets (antheas).

For the new diver just finishing the Open Water course, this is indeed a magnificent dive to start his or her venture into the deep. For the experienced diver it is a relaxing and interesting dive.

In the shallows just off the shores of Batticaloa these are the last remnants of the boiler wreck; a ship whose identity we are yet to ascertain for sure.

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	Four Boilers give a name to an unknown ship		The massive propellar is a sight to behold

	Just after the 53 Meter plunge to the Hermes another dive seems unthinkable. Yet the Boiler Wreck seems to be perfectly located right on the way back from from the Hermes and more importantly, at the perfect depth for the bags of Nitrogen we are! After diving the worlds first purpose built air craft carrier an hour ago; diving an unidentified and obliterated wreck is without doubt a bit of an anti-climax. But the Boiler Wreck does not disappoint. In fact it is a very gratifying and fun dive for any diver regardless of whether Hermes dominated the equation. In the sunlit shallows this is a wonderland. The wreck is strewn over a large area. One thing is immediately clear. This was once one big ship. The most interesting part is the four large boilers close together almost in perfect formation. A long shaft, presumably the crankshaft ends with a magnificent propeller. Such a massive propeller cannot even be found at the Hermes. In any direction, lies a large debris field of grotesque & twisted shapes now melting almost seamlessly into the sea scape; effects of the turbulent shallows making sure that all but the sturdiest parts of the wreck remained for posterity. Some parts of the ship provide passages for swim troughs, and also provides hinges on which colorful and beautiful soft coral grow; covered with an equally beautiful swarm of Basslets (antheas). For the new diver just finishing the Open Water course, this is indeed a magnificent dive to start his or her venture into the deep. For the experienced diver it is a relaxing and interesting dive. In the shallows just off the shores of Batticaloa these are the last remnants of the boiler wreck; a ship whose identity we are yet to ascertain for sure. Blog about Diving in Batticaloa!

	Parts of the crankshaft		A massive crankshaft

	Remains of what appears to be part of the engine		The long shaft runs through a considerable distance of the sea floor

	The boilers are very similar to that of the Conch in Hikkaduwa		The sea floor is littered with unrecognizable debris

	Parts of the crankshaft, like a giant arm reaching up to the sky.		The coral growth is sporadic but healthy.

	End of the long shaft forms a mini eclipse undersea		The massive propeller is fascinating

	The stegosaurus ridge		The crankshaft and the steel arms from a different angle

	The ship is really a wreck - effects of surge in the shallows		Colorful soft corals adorn various parts of the ship

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