Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Divers wearing goggles and attached to safety ropes have plunged into waters south of Burma’s old capital as part of renewed efforts to retrieve a bronze bell that has been lying for centuries at the confluence of three rivers.
The 270-tonne bell, believed to be one of the largest ever cast, was made on the order of King Dhammazedi in the 1400s and donated to the revered Shwedagon pagoda. In the early 1600s, it was stolen by the Portuguese mercenary Filipe de Brito, but his vessel sank.
Private and foreign groups have for years been trying to retrieve the historic treasure, which is believed to be buried deep beneath heavy silt. The groups have been deterred in part by murky waters and torrential currents.
More than 70 people, including 10 divers from the country’s Myeik archipelago, famous for their ability to dive deep without external breathing equipment, were taking part in the latest mission, said Win Myint, 52, one of the organisers of the team.
They have made exploratory dives over the last several days, but because of heavy silt and mud on the river bed they have not been able to locate the bell. As divers jumped into the water, Buddhist monks prayed for their safety, Win Myint said, expressing confidence that the mission would end in success. ap
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments