2020-10-03

The Sunken Cemetery of Camiguin Island, Philippines

Camiguin is an island province of the Philippines located in the Bohol Sea, about 10 km off the northern coast of the island of Mindanao. Camiguin Island is of volcanic origin, consisting of 4 young volcanoes with layers of lava and dust above the structure of the old volcano. In particular, two volcanoes, Vulcan and Hibok, are still active and had their last eruption in 1953.

Camiguin Sunken Cemetery

Sunken Cemetery is today one of the most visited tourist attractions on Camiguin Island and one of the unique diving sites in the world. During the eruption of the Vulcan volcano, which lasted from 1871 to about 1875, lava was continuously sprayed into the sea, reaching a height of nearly 610 m, and earthquakes also occurred that destroyed the entire area. The Camiguin Island area was founded during the Spanish period; the entire old town of Catarman and the cemetery were submerged in the sea.

Camiguin Island Sunken Cemetery

Remnants of the cemetery's structures and headstones were still visible at low tide until 1948, when Mount Vulcan erupted for the fourth time, and the burial site became more than 7 metres deep. In 1982, a large cross was erected on the solid lava layer to mark this old cemetery. The image of the cross became a favourite subject of photographers, and it is a highlight for the incredible photos of sunsets and sunrises on Camiguin Island.

[First Image Source / Flickr]