Divers in Myanmar hunt for lost bell

YANGON, Myanmar — Divers stand on the edge of a small wooden fishing boat gazing at the murky, choppy waters below.

After receiving blessings from Buddhist monks, they lower their masks and plunge one by one into the mighty Yangon River, clinging to garden hoses that act as primitive breathing devices during their descent.

From the shoreline, thousands of spectators look on, praying the men will find what other salvage crews have not: the world's largest copper bell, thought to have been lying beneath the riverbed for more than four centuries.

Weighing an estimated 270 tons, the mysterious bell is a symbol of pride for many in this country of 60 million that only recently emerged from a half-century of military rule.

King Dhammazedi, after whom the bell was named, was said to have ordered it cast in the late 15th century, donating it soon after to the Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar's most sacred temple.

The bell remained there for more than 130 years, when it was reportedly stolen by Portuguese mercenary Philip de Brito. His men rolled the massive bell down a hill and transferred it to a rickety vessel, which sank under the weight.

The latest operation, expected to last up to 45 days and cost $250,000 raised through donations, is being headed by a former naval official, San Lin, who thinks the copper treasure is protected by a curse.

http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/divers-in-myanmar-hunt-for-lost-bell/