Torpedo vessel fragment, ring wells found during underwater archaeological survey off Poompuhar coast in Mayiladuthurai district

The third phase of underwater archaeological surveys off the coast of Poompuhar in Mayialduthurai district yielded a fragment of a torpedo vessel, ring wells and pottery. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

In a first-of-its-kind find in an underwater archaeological survey in Tamil Nadu, archaeologists from the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archeology (TNSDA) found a broken piece of a torpedo vessel believed to have been brought from West Asia during the early historic period off the coast of Poompuhar district in Mayiladuhar during the third phase of the survey.

VP Yathees Kumar, joint director (in-charge), TNSDA, and three other archaeological experts found the fragment at a depth of about 10 meters and about two kilometers offshore, in the sea between Poompuhar, an ancient port city once known as Kaveripoompattinam, and Thirumullaivasal.

Mr. Kumar told The Hindu that this was the first time that a piece of a torpedo vessel, a tubular vessel with a cylindrical body and a narrow mouth, had been found underwater at Poompuhar. Similar torpedo vessels have previously been found at archaeological sites such as Alagankulam, Korkai and Porpanaikottai. Torpedo vessels were generally used to transport liquid commodities such as wine or oil by ship. Their shape, he said, helped prevent contents from spilling during transport.

A broken piece of a torpedo vessel found during a survey off the coast of Poompuhar in Mayiladuthurai district. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

The fragment is made of noble ceramics. Based on its shape, the diameter of the entire torpedo is estimated to be 30 to 35 cm. It is believed to have originated in western Asia. During the underwater survey, which covered almost two square kilometers, more than 250 ceramic pieces, including glazed wares, were found.

Archaeologists also found four ancient ring wells with diameters ranging from 60 cm to 65 cm. According to Mr. Kumar, the discovery of ring wells suggests that a palaeochannel may have been present at the site.

The findings emerged from preliminary investigations and are significant in the context of ongoing changes to the Poompuhar coastline and seabed due to erosion. TNSDA will initiate further investigation in more detail.

The third phase of the underwater survey was launched on September 6 by Minister for School Education and Archeology Rajmohan. It continued for 18 days and ended on Tuesday (September 22, 2026).

Published – 22 Sep 2026 21:51 IST