Abandoned cruise ship off the coast of the paradise Solomon Islands (17 photos)

Cruise ships often anchor in the tropical idyll before leaving for the next destination, but this vessel is not going to leave paradise. For 23 years, the World Discoverer has rested in quiet bay of the Solomon Islands. During this time nature took over him top, enveloping the deck with vegetation, but this does not prevent the liner from remaining popular attraction.





The history of the cruise ship began in 1974 when it was built in a German shipyard and sold to the Danish company BEWA Cruises. On the ship, designed for 140 passengers, had an observation deck, library, swimming pool and small fitness center. seven-deck ship ice class 1A was intended for cruises in the polar regions.

On April 30, 2000, while passing the Sandfly Strait in the archipelago of the Solomon Islands, the liner hit an uncharted reef and cracked the right side. The ship was stranded in Roderick Bay. The rescue operation was without casualties.

David Wright, a British passenger, spoke about the moment the ship ran aground:

"It just hit the shore, breaking the forest, which stretches all the way to the beach. It was spectacular. When we got to the shore we saw a tree hanging from the prow of the ship."

An attempt was made to save the ship, but it was unsuccessful.



The 87-metre-long vessel has become a popular attraction





For 23 years, the liner has rusted and covered with greenery






On the ship, designed for 140 passengers, were provided observation deck, library, swimming pool and small fitness center



World Discoverer built to cruise the polar regions

Today, travelers can get to boat from the capital of the Honiara archipelago to Roderick Bay, where you can swim at the sunken ship and have a picnic on the island. night in one from a bungalow will cost a tourist only $46.



On April 30, 2000, while sailing off the Solomon Islands, the liner hit an uncharted reef with its side.



The captain sent the ship aground in a quiet bay



David Wright, a British passenger, spoke about the moment the ship ran aground: "It just ran into the shore"



There were no casualties, but the ship could not be saved.



Locals stole everything of value



World Discoverer is popular with tourists



Pictured: the liner in South Georgia



In the port of Ua Pu, Marquesas Islands



Ship off the coast of Peru, 1990s



Japanese shipwreck Kinugawa Maru from World War II

Off the coast of the Solomon Islands there are about 200 sunken ships, which makes this place a mecca for both divers and for history buffs.

Many of these ships were sunk as a result of fierce fighting between the Allies and Japanese forces during World War II war.



There are also hundreds of sunken aircraft, including Japanese fighter Mitsubishi A6M Zero, American Grumman F6F 3-Hellcat and Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress.