Beneath the blue!

Illustration: Sonal Goyal “OMG! Look how clear the waters are!” Taran was on a flight from Kochi to the Agatti Islands, Lakshadweep, and was peering out of the aeroplane window. “I can’t wait to hit the beaches and explore!”His parents smiled while the plane descended. At Agatti Islands, they relaxed by the beach and took in the views. “Amma, the sand is white like talcum powder.”After sunset, they headed back to the resort. “Tomorrow, we take our refresher course in scuba diving, and hopefully we can see some coral reefs.”“… and we have a surprise for you, Taran,” added Amma.“Surprise! What! Tell me. I won’t be able to sleep at night,” shrieked Taran in delight. But his parents were tight-lipped.Off to Bagaram IslandThe next day, Taran was up before everybody. “Let’s go! Let’s go! Remember the surprise?”“Taran, we are on a beach holiday. We are here to relax!” Appa groaned dramatically but got up. They had an early start, as they had to travel from Agatti to Bangaram Island on a small ship.At Bangaram Island, they headed straight to the scuba diving institute and started their refresher lessons. After a few hours in the pool and the open seas, they were ready. Their instructor reminded them that the coral reefs are delicate. “They are living organisms. So, don’t step on them or touch or kick them, even by mistake. Even the sunscreen you use bleaches the corals. It should not contain oxybenzone.”The boatsman and Appa were having a conversation and Taran overheard them say “Princess Royal.”“What’s Princess Royal, Appa? Another ship?”Appa smiled mysteriously, as the boat sped into the blue waters. Their instructor spoke again. “Same rules for marine life. Don’t go too close. You are in their world. Be respectful. Follow me at all times.”Under waterSuited up in scuba gear, they splashed in one by one. As Taran got accustomed to being underwater, he went deeper with the guide. He was amazed by the colours and patterns of fish of all sizes. He even spotted a Manta ray.Then the guide signalled the family to move towards one spot. Taran’s eyes widened. In front of him was a shipwreck with corals around it. They spent a few more minutes and moved back to the surface. Back on the boat, Taran had so many questions.“Was that the surprise? Princess Royal! An actual shipwreck.”Appa nodded. “Yes, it is a 200-year-old British warship. Did you see the cannons?”“Wow, what a surprise. Marine life, corals and an actual shipwreck! Wait till my friends hear about this. Thank you, Appa, best holiday ever!” Published - August 28, 2026 11:02 am IST