The Andaman and Nicobar Islands created history in May 2026 by setting two Guinness World Records during a major marine event held at Swaraj Dweep. The achievement was aimed at promoting the islands as a global marine tourism destination while also drawing attention to the conservation of the region’s sensitive coral reef ecosystem and marine biodiversity.
Major Highlights
- The Andaman and Nicobar Administration secured two separate Guinness World Records during a large-scale underwater event organized at Swaraj Dweep in early May 2026.
- On May 2, more than 200 divers gathered at Radhanagar Beach to unfurl the world’s largest underwater national flag.
- The Indian tricolour measured 60 metres in length and 40 metres in width, covering a total underwater area of 2,400 square metres.
- The feat surpassed the previous Guinness World Record established by an Egyptian diving team in 2024.
- A second Guinness World Record was achieved on May 3 at the Lighthouse dive site near the Swaraj Dweep jetty for creating the tallest underwater human stack.
- A group of 14 certified scuba divers formed a perfectly coordinated vertical human chain that reached a height of 22.3 metres underwater.
- The underwater human stack remained stable for three minutes, fulfilling all technical and safety standards required for official Guinness certification.
- Lieutenant Governor Admiral D. K. Joshi personally participated in both underwater activities, becoming the first constitutional authority in India to lead such record attempts.
- The record-setting initiative was jointly organized by the Tourism Department, the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, and local scuba diving organizations.
- Guinness World Records adjudicator Rishi Nath officially verified the achievements and presented the certificates during a ceremony held at the Dolphin Resort.
- The event was designed to showcase India’s growing expertise in technical diving while promoting the rich marine biodiversity and crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea.
Important Terms
- Swaraj Dweep: The new official name of Havelock Island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, known for its beaches and diving tourism.
- Blue Economy: The sustainable use of ocean and marine resources for economic growth, livelihood generation, and environmental conservation.
- Coral Reefs: Diverse underwater ecosystems formed by coral organisms that support marine biodiversity and protect coastal regions.
