Discounting the recent viral Facebook post which put Marina Bay Sands in the US state of Tennessee, Singapore is probably most famous for being a maritime hub since the 1800s.
And who would have thought that our waters also held sunken treasures! On June 16, the National Heritage Board and ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute annouced that two shipwrecks had been located: The first, dating to the 14th century, had been detected about 100m north-west of Pedra Branca. The second, dating to the late 18th century, had been found about 300m east of the same island.
Among the wreckage, divers uncovered Chinese ceramics as well as a variety of artefacts including betel nut cutters, medallions and figurines.
But this project has been a long time in the making. According to a Facebook post (above) by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong, “a team of divers spent several years gently and gingerly excavating this hidden treasure, previously undiscovered for hundreds of years”.
He added: “The National Heritage Board and ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute are working on uncovering the stories behind these wrecks, and doing further archaeological research into them.”
And thanks to another Facebook post (above), we now know the identity of the diver featured in an image by ISEAS which was offered to news publications – one Matthias Goh.
“Proud, privileged and honoured to be part of this underwater archeological project of a couple of wrecks found near Pedra Branca. Long days, heavy hauling and strong currents definitely paid off to be part of this historical moment in Singapore’s history books,” he writes.
In a postscript, Matthias states: “I’m the diver featured in the underwater picture
Can’t help but be proud although there isn’t a face but those who have been diving with me know that I only have one set of outfit that I always dive with, my Gul rash guard.”
We caught up with Matthias and did a, ahem, deep dive with this 32-year-old “Aquaman” into his lifelong love for the sea, passion for diving, and the amazing underwater discovery that he was fortunate to be part of.
Waseh! It’s cool enough that you’re a diver, but now you can also flex you found treasure leh.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXrSUOoDRpf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
I was asked by a good friend and ex-colleague of mine from RWS S.E.A Aquarium, Zulfli Mazlan, whether I was interested in a dive project that would happen maybe only once in a lifetime.
He didn’t reveal much but I immediately thought to myself: “A once-in-a-lifetime dive – I don’t care what it is, just sign me up!” Plus, I trusted Zul, so I didn’t care what it was as long as we were in this together.
How did the discovery happen?
Unexpected Treasure Beneath the Waves
Picture this: a group of commercial divers, eyes on a sunken barge, stumble upon something far more intriguing. Their crew was buzzing with the thrill of salvaging, but what they found gave the whole mission an extra splash of excitement.
Who Did the Discovery?
- Commercial Divers – The guys who were actually working the wreck, dragging found items to the surface.
- Maritime Expert Dr. Michael Flecker – The fallout inspector who coined the term “wreck detective” in his mind.
- Michael Ng from ISEAS – The archaeologist who stopped by to talk porcelain.
What Their Eye-Spotted Star?
While routine salvage operations were ongoing, a dull bloom of porcelain relics emerged. The shape of those pieces gave the divers a gentle, “Oops, we’re not the only ones here!” nod and a mission with worldwide letter. The finds made the divers turn from “bring me more barges!” to “ah, look at this!”
The Big Scoop
- Marine porcelain from a historic, vanished ship.
- Artifacts that speak louder than the ocean.
- Proof that the deep sea is still full of surprises.
When the divers brought the treasures to Dr. Flecker and Michael Ng, the story of that hidden treasure finally got the spotlight it deserved – it wasn’t just a chance find, but a major piece for maritime history.
We can tell from your Instagram and Facebook that diving is life! How did your passion for the sea begin, and what has it taught you?
Well, since young, I’ve always been in love with the ocean because my dad (shown above) had a boat and he started me off fishing when I was about 4 or 5 years old, so that kick-started everything.
I picked up diving when I was 16, 17 years old with my dad. I’m 32 this year, so it’s been about 16 years now. I started with a local dive shop here called Blue Reef Scuba, and I’ve been diving recreationally with them ever since.
I worked with RWS S.E.A Aquarium for a few years before leaving to do a short stint in commercial diving. So yeah, I guess diving is really something I’ll be doing for as long as my body can take it!
Going to places and getting the opportunity to dive in remote places around Asia definitely helped me be more independent and self-reliant on land as well as underwater because even though we dive in pairs, I take it upon myself to be competent that I can help myself underwater and assist my dive buddy should the need arise.
And it seems like you’re inextricably linked to the sea cuz, what a coincidence – you did your national service in the Navy! Any special takeaways from your stint as a radar specialist there?
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNGuxYbnahw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Definitely the awesome individuals I had the humbling opportunity to spend my time with. Oh, and the realisation that the oceans are vast – really vast!
Brother a bit leh – can share some of the lesser-known diving spots around Singapore?
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_y9vBxH-C5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
I think these days because of Covid-19 and travel restrictions, our local dive enthusiasts have had no choice but to shift their need for underwater exploration to our local islands like Pulau Hantu, Sisters Island and Pulau Jong.
If given the opportunity, I’d really want to dive at Raffles Lighthouse, which I heard is incredible, but it’s restricted, so no diving there for the general public.
What’s the best part about Singapore’s waters?
Unveiling Singapore’s Hidden Aquatic Wonders
What We Once Thought
Before the pandemic hit, many of us whispered, “Singapore’s waters are murky, there’s little to see, just trash.”
The Covid‑Induced Curiosity
When lockdowns rolled in, people started exploring the local shoreline more than ever. The quiet hum of the waves became a new front for adventure.
What Actually Lies Beneath
Far from a barren stretch, the waters surrounding Singapore are teeming with surprising biodiversity. From tiny fish to curious crabs, there’s a lot to discover.
- Micro‑Life – tiny plankton that form the bedrock of our marine food web.
- Crustaceans – colorful shrimp and crab species that scuttle along the sand.
- Seabirds – sickle‑bill and black‑crowned egrets feast on the lively shoreline.
- Coral and Mangroves – pockets of coral, even in previously overlooked areas.
Why It Matters
Recognizing the richness of our local ecosystems reminds us to protect and appreciate the natural treasures lying just off the coast.
We can always afford to take better care of our surroundings, particularly the waters around Singapore. What are some of the ways we can contribute?
Keeping Our Oceans Clean: A Call for Action
Did you know that the full‑bright glare off a busy port can make it look like the sea is made of mirrors? That’s visibility knocking on the water’s door, but the real culprit is the one we’re all too quick to overlook: litter.
Why Visibility Matters
When ships swarm a harbor, light bounce and turbulence make beachscapes blurry. Even if the waters gleam, unless we cut down on trash—particularly disposable masks that end up in the tide—our waters stay murky, and marine life suffers.
What You Can Do (and Maybe should)
- Think Before Tossing: Never drop your single‑use mask or snack wrapper into the ocean. It takes decades to decompose.
- Pack a Trash Bag: Even if you’re just strolling on the sand, carry a small bag to keep your rubbish in.
- Spread the Word: Share tips with friends, family, and your local school. Knowledge is the first step toward change.
- Support Clean‑Up Events: Join community beach sweeps or donation drives. Trust us, you’ll feel proud—and you’re actually contributing.
Our Generation Has the Power
Remember that saying, “If the world didn’t exist, we wouldn’t need to keep it clean”? Well, that’s true. We’re the ones holding the brush. It’s up to the majority to recognize that a cleaner ocean isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential to our economy, our health, and our kids’ future.
How Education Helps
Imagine small children in classrooms holding up paper boats. That boat, no heavy-handed instruction needed, is a lesson about the environment. The earlier we embed that message—at home, at school, on the playground—the stronger the impact.
Bottom Line
We can’t do much to alter the ‘busy port glare,’ but we can change how we dispose of waste. A mindful approach—every mask, every wrapper—will slowly improve the water’s visibility and quality. Let’s take that first step together. Your environment, your future, your smiles. Stay clean, stay slick!
