The SS Rita, a ship carrying rail tracks from Gujarat to Goa met its watery grave near the Grand Island sometime in the 1960s. The dispatch was believed to have sunk near the port town of Vasco in South Goa district, and now, with its rediscovery after almost half a century, it is drawing diving enthusiasts from across the country. So, if you're looking to explore down under, SS Rita should be on your watchlist.

Shipwrecks pique the interest of maritime archaeologists, divers and treasure hunters alike. They not only awaken romantic notions of adventure and courage but also act as keepers of maritime history and have their own story to tell.

One such historical memento is the SS Rita, which capsized after smashing into the rocks. Found 13-14 meters in the depths of Zuari river, the ship’s winches, bow, davit, portholes and a ladder are more or less still intact. There's a lot left to explore, with marine life growing around the sunken ship.

“There is a lot of interest among tourists in seeing the shipwreck. It is one of the seven diving sites near the island,” said Skandan Warrier, a former Navy man who runs a scuba diving training institute.

There are two more ships which are known to have sunk in the same area but are stuck in deeper parts of the seabed and not so easily reachable. Both the wrecks are located 18 to 20 metres below the water, and are difficult for novice divers.

The Goan coast has plenty of shipwrecks, and you can partake in scuba diving trips to see them up-close. The area around the Grand Island has seven more diving sites, which you can check out.

Write to barracudadiving@gmail.com for more details on prices, their courses and safety measures.

Check out their website here.