SS Vaitarna – The Forgotten Shipwreck of Dwarka
- DHRUVI GOHIL
- Sep 28
- 3 min read
When we think of the word Titanic, the first image that comes to mind is the mighty British liner that sank in 1912, becoming one of history’s most tragic maritime disasters. But few know that Gujarat, a land of ancient ports and seafaring traditions, has its very own “Titanic” story — a shipwreck that continues to spark curiosity, folklore, and mystery along its coastal belt.
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The Ship That Never Reached Shore
Off the coast of Dwarka, one of Gujarat’s most sacred cities, lies the rusting remains of a cargo ship that locals often call the “Titanic of Gujarat.” Though not as grand or luxurious as the original Titanic, this vessel has become a landmark in its own right. It was caught in a massive storm decades ago and wrecked close to the shore. Since then, its skeletal frame has stood as a silent reminder of the sea’s unforgiving power.
A Tale Blending History and Folklore
The ship known as the Titanic of Gujarat was the SS Vaitarna, popularly called Vijli. Owned by A. J. Shepherd & Co. of Bombay, it tragically sank on November 8, 1888, when it was caught in a powerful cyclone off the coast of Kathiawar. Under the command of its captain, Kasam Ibrahim, the ship vanished with more than 740 people on board, leaving behind no survivors. It was a steamship built in 1885 at Grangemouth Dockyard in Scotland for A. J. Shepherd & Co., Bombay. Much like the RMS Titanic, the SS Vaitarna became a symbol of an unfinished voyage and an enduring maritime tragedy, remembered in Gujarat’s folklore as its own Titanic.
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Fishermen in the region grew up hearing tales about the ill-fated ship. Some say it carried goods and was bound for trade along the western coast of India; others claim it drifted aimlessly before finally surrendering to the waves near Dwarka. Over the years, the shipwreck has slowly merged with its surroundings, almost like nature reclaiming its own.
Why Locals Call It the “Titanic”
For the people of Dwarka, this rusted structure is more than just a ruined vessel — it’s a reminder of loss, resilience, and the strength of the sea. Much like the Titanic, it represents dreams cut short and voyages left unfinished. Its eerie presence against the horizon has made it a spot of fascination for tourists and photographers, especially those who love exploring abandoned relics of history.
The Symbolism of Gujarat’s Titanic
Unlike the Titanic of the Atlantic, Gujarat’s shipwreck is not about luxury or fame. Instead, it is a symbol of Gujarat’s deep maritime legacy — from the days of ancient ports like Lothal to modern shipping routes. It is also a humbling reminder that no matter how advanced or mighty a vessel may seem, the ocean always has the last word.
The tragedy of the Vijli, lives on not only in history but also in culture, inspiring songs, stories, and performances. The most famous is the traditional “Khalasi” song, sung by coastal communities to mourn the ship and its lost passengers, which has been reimagined in modern times while keeping its haunting spirit alive. Writers have also preserved the memory of the disaster, with works like Twin Tales from Kutch by Saeed Ibrahim weaving the story of the SS Vaitarna into their narratives.
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Folk dramas, films, and musical adaptations continue to retell the sorrowful tale, ensuring that the Vijli’s story has transcended the sea to become a lasting part of Gujarat’s cultural heartbeat.
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