Recent torrential rains and strong ocean currents in the Maldives have caused extensive damage to the famous shipwreck in Vaavu Atoll, a popular tourist attraction near Keyodhoo. Images and videos shared on social media reveal the shipwreck now flipped upside down, with its hull partially submerged and the mast severely damaged.

Hevana Maldives, a guest house in Keyodhoo, shared videos on Instagram showing parts of the ship’s hull, previously underwater, now visible above the waterline. Observers have noted that the wreck might no longer be visible during high tide.

While the Vaavu Atoll Council has yet to issue an official statement, the incident has saddened many. Social media users have expressed their emotions, including Jen Darling, a Canadian TikToker and excursion operator in Fulidhoo, who shared videos and underwater footage of the wreck.

"I feel so sad about this... When I came to Vaavu eight years ago, there were no corals growing. Last year the corals died after a bleaching event, and now this," Jen said on her Instagram story. Her footage also revealed further damage, including the separation of the ship’s engine section and the breaking of the stern.

The shipwreck, discovered 10 years ago by fishermen from Felidhoo, had become a major attraction for divers and snorkelers. Initially, the fishermen had attempted to tow the Indonesian ship to the island, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Over time, the ship drifted and ran aground in the lagoon south of Keyodhoo, where local divers planted corals around the wreck, transforming it into a thriving tourist site.

Excursion packages from Vaavu and Kaafu Atolls featured dives near the wreck, making it a daily highlight for visitors. Its current state marks a significant loss for local tourism and marine enthusiasts.