Addu City, Maldives — The main diving event to mark the 75th anniversary of the British Loyalty wreck in Addu City is scheduled to be held in 26th July 2021.
The Addu City Council in association with Nalafehi Meedhoo, a non-governmental organization based in Meedhoo, Addu City had earlier this year celebrated the 75th anniversary of the British Loyalty ship which submerged in Addu City on the 5th January 1946.
The event was attended by the Minister of Tourism of Maldives, Dr. Abdullah Mausoom, Mayor of Addu City, Abdullah Sodiq, and 75 divers from Addu and Fuvahmulah City who participated in the short ten minute dive at the shipwreck site.
Addu City Council and Nalafehi Meedhoo recently conducted a meeting to discuss the timing of the main diving event of the 75th anniversary of the British Loyalty ship.
The main diving event of the British Loyalty Wreck has been scheduled to be held on 26th July 2021.
Statement released by Addu City Council read.
The members also discussed about the preparations for the main event and how it will be carried out, along with how the event can be promoted and marketed.
The two committees also reviewed the challenges faced in the preparations of the inaugural ceremony held previously on 5th Janauary 2020 and discussed solutions.
The British Loyalty shipwreck is a popular diving destination in Addu City, and according to the Maldives Boat Club, the ship survived torpedo attacks on 2 separate occasions but was scuttled by the British as they withdrew from the Atoll in 1946.
Now the ship lies 33 meters under water between the islands Maradhoo and Hithadhoo. The site is easily accessible by boat, as it is less than 25 minutes away even from Gan, where the international airport is located.
The ship is covered with hard and soft corals that are home to a large schools of small fishes. A myriad of sea life including blue-fin jack and turtles swim around. Divers are sometimes greeted by Manta rays and sharks on their dives.
