Lakshadweep was an important milestone in the shipping route before the opening of the Suez Canal. Being on the trade route, boats used the islands of Lakshadweep as a stopover to refurbish the supply of fresh water, etc. Many of the reefs being very shallow and some of them permanently submerged, were hazardous for mariners and therefore, caused many wrecks in the region. By 11th-12th centuries Lakshadweep became famous for supplying of materials for boatbuilding. Boats were loaded with coconut, coir and coconut wood and traded with Oman and other Gulf countries. Important archaeological findings suggest that sculptors traveled as far as Lakshadweep. Buddhist monks also realised the importance of these islands for disseminating the 'Dhamma' all over the world.

During the explorations in Lakshadweep waters four steam engine shipwrecks were noticed. The first shipwreck was observed on Suheli Par reef. This wreck is lying over the reef and a major portion can be seen on the water and heavy things are lying underwater. The shipwreck contains a number of armoured vehicles, cars and guns. The remains belong to a Greek ship,which

Steam engine ship with flywheel and shaft