The Godawaya Shipwreck Expedition

via the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, 27 March 2024: In a significant collaboration, the U.S. Embassy and Sri Lanka’s Maritime Archaeology Unit embarked on a dive to the Godawaya Shipwreck, Asia-Pacific’s oldest known shipwreck, off the coast of Hambantota. This endeavor, supported by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, aims to document and conserve the ancient maritime site, dating back to the 2nd Century B.C.

Located in Galle, the Maritime Archaeology Unit (MAU) is dedicated to the preservation and exploration of Sri Lanka’s rich underwater cultural heritage, conducting extensive research, and applying advanced conservation techniques.  The Godawaya shipwreck, the oldest known shipwreck in the Indian Ocean and in the Asia-Pacific Region, is one of the MAU’s most significant ongoing projects.  Initial research efforts have unveiled a treasure trove of information, revealing that the ship was laden with a diverse

Source: Uncovering Maritime History Beneath the Waves: U.S. Embassy and Sri Lanka’s Maritime Archaeology Unit Dive to Ancient Godawaya Shipwreck – U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka

See also:

• US Embassy & SL Maritime Archaeology Unit Dive to Ancient Godawaya Shipwreck | Lanka Business Online, 27 Mar 2024