Bananga Tourism, Andaman & Nicobar India

Barren Island (coordinates: 12°16′N 93°51′E) is located in the Andaman Sea, one of the most easterly of the Andaman Islands. It is the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia. Along with the rest of the Andamans, it is a part of the Indian Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and lies about 135 km (84 mi) northeast of the territory's capital, Port Blair. The first recorded eruption of the volcano dates back to 1787. Since then, the volcano has erupted more than ten times, with the most recent one which started in September 2010 and continued through January 2011.

Barren Island, one of the most easterly of the Andaman Islands is the only active volcano in South Asia and lies 135 km northeast of Port Blair.

The first recorded eruption of the volcano dates back to 1787 and further eruptions were recorded in 1789, 1795, 1803–04, and 1852. After nearly one and half centuries of dormancy, the island had another eruption in 1991 that lasted six months and caused considerable damage. There were eruptions in 1994–95 and 2005–07, the later being . Since then, the volcano has erupted more than six times, most recently on 19 July 2009 and still continues to spew smoke and ash.

True to its name, it is a barren area uninhabited by humans, though it has a small population of goats, birds, bats like flying foxes and a few rodent species such as rats known to survive the harsh conditions.

Although a few liveaboards from Thailand have been diving Barren Island each year, there have been no operators from the Andamans itself diving here mainly due to the distance from populated shores and the lack of faster boats.

The chosen date was 28th Dec and the first lucky divers who got to go on this trip were the Marleen Scheers Family and their friend Dider. Olivier, our extremely experienced French Instructor was to lead this expedition. With the food ordered, the speedboat leased for the day and the equipment loaded our explorers were all set to be captivated by this active volcano.

The trip departed from the Havelock Jetty at 4 am and by 6:30 am had arrived at Barren. Barren was everything they had hoped for and more.In a matter of half an hour, the otherwise white boat was covered in grey ash. Every 15 minutes or so a loud BOOM! was heard. Rocks the size of tennis balls were being expelled as if by magic and thick smoke loomed over the Island. An incredible sight indeed- one to remember and treasure forever.