The world-renowned tourists’ destination Darwin’s Arch of Galapagos of Island collapsed into the sea.Ecuador’s Environment Ministry has blamed natural erosion for the collapse. They posted pictures on social media that showed rubble from the top of the arch had crumbled into the ocean with the two supporting columns still standing.
The ministry on their Facebook page said, “This event is a consequence of natural erosion. Darwin’s Arch is made of natural stone that at one time would have been part of Darwin Island, which is not open to visits by land.” Adding that the site is considered one of the best places on the planet to dive and see the sharks and other species.
The arch was located less than a mile away from Darwin Island, also named after Charles Darwin, the famous scientist who developed his theory on evolution and natural selection after visiting the islands in 1835.
Galapagos landmark collapses, natural erosion blamed. Darwin's arch fell into the sea. pic.twitter.com/9rbeji6D5n
— J Larry Hanna(@JLarryHanna) May 19, 2021
The Galapagos Islands, some 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) off the coast of Ecuador, contain unique flora and fauna not seen anywhere else on earth and are part of a biosphere reserve.
The archipelago, a World Heritage site, is made up of 234 islands, inlets and rocks. Four of them are home to some 30,000 people.The arch of Darwin measures 141 feet high, 75 feet wide and 230 feet long and is half km away from Darwin Island.
Once a part of Darwin’s Island, the arch is famed for the variety of underwater life teeming nearby, including schools of hammerhead sharks.Tourists are not allowed to set foot on the arch or island.
