Ex-INS Guldar Sunk Off Sindhudurg Coast To Create India’s First Underwater Naval Museum
Ex-INS Guldar Sunk Off Sindhudurg Coast To Create India’s First Underwater Naval Museum
Sindhudurg, May 19, 2026: In a first-of-its-kind marine tourism initiative in India and Asia, the decommissioned naval warship INS Guldar has been successfully positioned on the seabed off the Sindhudurg coast to create an underwater museum and artificial coral reef project.
The ambitious project, being developed by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), reached a major milestone on May 19 when the retired warship was lowered nearly 20 to 22 metres below sea level near Vijaydurg.
INS Guldar served the Indian Navy for nearly four decades before being formally decommissioned on January 12, 2024. The vessel was later handed over free of cost to MTDC by the Indian Navy in February 2025 for conversion into an underwater tourism attraction.
The project is being implemented under the guidance of Maharashtra Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai, with support from Sindhudurg Guardian Minister Nitesh Rane and Tourism Minister of State Indranil Naik.
Officials stated that the project involves multiple phases, including the transfer of the warship from the Navy, transportation to Sindhudurg, environmental cleaning and removal of hazardous materials, followed by its final placement underwater.
According to MTDC officials, expert teams worked continuously for nearly 36 hours to safely position the vessel at the designated underwater location.
Once operational, tourists, scuba divers and marine enthusiasts will be able to explore the submerged warship through guided scuba diving tours conducted by certified PADI divers. Visitors will also get the opportunity to witness marine biodiversity developing around the structure, including coral growth, fish species and underwater vegetation.
The project aims to boost scuba diving tourism, preserve naval heritage and create a sustainable marine ecosystem through the development of an artificial reef.
MTDC Managing Director Nilesh Gathane said the underwater museum will offer visitors a unique experience of exploring a retired naval vessel beneath the sea while also helping conserve maritime history for future generations.
Officials added that the project is expected to generate employment opportunities for coastal communities and strengthen adventure tourism in the Konkan region.
