Visakhapatnam: NIO finds100kg stone anchor while undertaking underwater surveys

Visakhapatnam: Recently NIO had taken up exploratory studies at Kottapatnam in view of undertaking underwater surveys.

During this field work, a stone object was interpreted as a single-hole stone anchor, in the agricultural land close to the lagoon. The partially buried single-hole stone anchor located about 50 m away from the present western bank of the lagoon, which is locally known as voda revu kalava meaning canal of the ship harbour. A major portion of the anchor was buried in the soil. Soil was removed from one side of the stone and it was measured, photographed and surface features noted, before being reburied. The maximum dimensions are 760 x 770 x 270 mm. The weight of the anchor is estimated at 100 kg. Prominent chisel marks are visible on the uncovered surface as well as inside the hole.

The anchor has one circular hole on its upper side. Neither the upper nor lower portion of the anchor is even. It tapers upwards. The edges of the anchor are sharp, perhaps indicating that it was not used extensively before being buried.