Overview
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands set a Guinness World Record for the ‘Tallest Human Stack Underwater’ on 3 May 2026 at Swaraj Dweep. A team of 14 scuba divers formed a 22.3-metre-high tower that remained stable for three minutes. The record was verified by Guinness adjudicator Rishi Nath.
A Double Feat for Andaman
For two consecutive days, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands made global news. On 2 May 2026, the islands set a Guinness World Record for the “Largest National Flag Unfurled Underwater”. The very next day, they did it again. On 3 May 2026, a team of 14 scuba divers formed the “Tallest Human Stack Underwater” at the Lighthouse dive-site on Swaraj Dweep (formerly Havelock Island). The human tower measured 22.3 metres (73 feet) and remained stable for three minutes .
The Record-Breaking Dive
Building a human stack underwater is far harder than doing it on land. Divers must control buoyancy, stay balanced, and coordinate without clear visual references. The 14 participants accomplished this by standing on each other’s shoulders to form a single, vertical column. The formation was held steady for three full minutes, satisfying the strict criteria set by Guinness World Records.
Key Figures of the Record
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Record title: Tallest Human Stack Underwater
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Height achieved: 22.3 metres (73.16 feet)
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Number of divers: 14
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Location: Lighthouse dive‑site, Swaraj Dweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
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Date of attempt: 3 May 2026
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Verification: Officially confirmed by Guinness adjudicator Rishi Nath
The Man Leading the Feat
Admiral D.K. Joshi (Retd.), Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, actively participated in both record attempts. He was part of the diving team that formed the human tower. His involvement demonstrated the administration’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and positioning the islands as a premier global diving destination.
Back‑to‑Back World Records
The human‑stack achievement came just 24 hours after a spectacular Independence Day 2026 underwater flag unfurling. On 2 May, more than 200 trained scuba divers deployed a 60 m × 40 m national flag (2,400 sq m) at Radhanagar Beach – also on Swaraj Dweep. That event was officially verified by Guinness World Records as the “Largest Flag Unfurled Underwater”. Admiral Joshi also took part in that dive, underscoring the administration’s whole‑hearted support for adventure tourism.
Promoting Andaman as a Global Diving Hub
The twin records were not just about breaking milestones. They were part of a deliberate strategy to place the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the world tourism map as a premier destination for scuba diving and marine adventure. According to the Guinness World Records submission statement, the project aimed at “promoting Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a premier global diving destination”. The islands already boast crystal‑clear waters, diverse coral reefs, and some of the best dive locations in India. These two records have only heightened that reputation.
The Team Behind the Achievement
The success was made possible by close coordination among multiple agencies. The Andaman and Nicobar Administration organised the event with support from:
The human‑stack attempt also involved personnel from the Tourism Department and scuba divers from various dive centres across the islands. More than 200 divers in total took part in the two‑day event, including some as young as 14, and Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Chief Secretary Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar and Director General of Police H.S. Dhaliwal were present to witness the historic moments.
A Human Touch: Moments of Pride Underwater
For the divers, the human‑stack record was a moment of intense teamwork and pride. One participant described the experience: “We practiced for months. When we finally locked our positions underwater and held steady, it felt like a dream.” The flag‑unfurling event also left a deep impression. One of the young divers, 16‑year‑old Meera, said, “Seeing the huge Tricolour spread out in the blue water with my own eyes gave me goosebumps.” The participation of Lt. Governor D.K. Joshi, who actively dived alongside the teams, further inspired the divers and showed the administration’s genuine commitment to adventure tourism.
Examination Points at a Glance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When did the Andaman and Nicobar Islands set the tallest human stack underwater record?
A: The record was achieved on 3 May 2026 at the Lighthouse dive‑site on Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island).
Q2: How tall was the human stack and how many divers formed it?
A: The stack reached 22.3 metres (73.16 feet) and was built by 14 scuba divers .
Q3: Did the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands participate?
A: Yes. Admiral D.K. Joshi (Retd.) actively took part in both the human‑stack record and the underwater flag record.
Q4: What other Guinness World Record was set by the Islands on the previous day?
A: On 2 May 2026 , they set the record for the “Largest National Flag Unfurled Underwater” , with a 60 m × 40 m flag at Radhanagar Beach.
Q5: What was the main objective behind these record attempts?
A: The records were part of a government initiative to promote the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a world‑class destination for scuba diving and marine adventure tourism .