Galapagos Rock Formation Darwin's Arch Collapses Due to Natural Erosion

Darwin's Arch has collapsed into the seas due to natural erosion. This was confirmed by Ecuador's Ministry of environment, according to CNN.

Darwin's Arch Collapses

Darwin's Arch, located in the northern portion of the Galapagos Islands, is considered as one of the most famous rock formations.

The images of the structure, which now consists of only two pillars, were posted on social media. On their account, the Ministry of Environment for Ecuador posted a photo of the remaining structure of the rock formation, confirming the news.

"The collapse of Darwin's Arch, the attractive natural bridge found less than a kilometer from the main area of Darwin Island, was reported," the ministry tweeted.

The ministry also added that Darwin's Arch is made of natural stone that at one time would have been part of Darwin Island. But it is not open to visits by land.

Moreover, Darwin's Arch is considered as one of the best diving spots in the Pacific Ocean. It is part of Ecuador, although located hundreds of miles off the country's coast. The famous rock formation was named after English biologist Charles Darwin.

The Guardian reported that Darwin visited the Galapagos archipelago in 1835 on HMS Beagle. He supposedly developed his famous theory of evolution by examining Galápagos finches.

Galapagos Rock Formation, an Icon

Galapagos Conservation Trust member Jen Jones expressed sadness over the collapse of Darwin's Arch. Jones is a marine biologist and has a long-standing passion for the conservation of the area.

Jones said that Darwin's Arch was an icon of the Galapagos landscape and a marker for one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife experiences on Earth. Jones shared that beneath the waves, people will discover one of the largest aggregations of sharks in the world.

Furthermore, Jones emphasized that the collapse of the arch is a reminder for the people of how fragile the world is. She mentioned that despite the fact there is only a little capability for humans to stop geological processes in the area, especially erosion, she encouraged individuals to instead protect the marine life of the Islands.

Jones then shared that Galapagos Conservation Trust is working with partners in order to protect these sharks not only within the Galapagos marine reserve but also on their migrations outside in the wider eastern tropical Pacific.

Tour Group Witnessed the Collapse

Tour company Aggressor Adventures, a company that organizes group trips to various destinations around the world, indicated on a Facebook post that one of its tour groups witnessed the incident. Visitors on a diving boat Galapagos Aggressor III saw the arch falling into the sea, where the two pillars were only left. But they clarified that no divers had been harmed, Scuba Diver Life reported. The tour company also mentioned that some in the dive & travel industry are already referring to the rock formation as 'The Pillars of Evolution'.

Meanwhile, aside from its breathtaking view mentioned by visitors, the UNESCO World Heritage site is also known for its many endemic animal and plant species. Aside from sharks, the arch is also famous as a diving spot for underwater encounters with sea turtles, whale sharks, manta rays, and dolphins.