The world-famous tourist attraction is "considered one of the best places on the planet to dive."
The top of the iconic stone archway, Darwin's Arch, in the Galápagos Islands has collapsed, according to reports. According to officials, natural erosion of the stone is to blame for the collapse.
Images of the fallen structure were posted on the social media accounts for Ecuador's Environment Ministry, along with confirmation of the news. "We report that the iconic Arc of Darwin collapsed," wrote the ministry. (Translated from Spanish.)
Informamos que hoy 17 de mayo, se reportó el colapso del Arco de Darwin, el atractivo puente natural ubicado a menos de un kilómetro de la isla principal Darwin, la más norte del archipiélago de #Galápagos. Este suceso sería consecuencia de la erosión natural.
— Ministerio del Ambiente y Agua de Ecuador (@Ambiente_Ec) May 17, 2021
📷Héctor Barrera pic.twitter.com/lBZJWNbgHg
"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 said. "Darwin's Arch is made of natural stone that at one time would have been part of Darwin Island, which is not open to visits by land."
According to Aggressor Adventures, the collapse of Darwin's Arch was witnessed by a group of tourists on a boat.
The arch was named after Charles Darwin, whose time in the islands helped form his theory of natural selection.
Have you visited Darwin's Arch in the Galápagos before? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
*This story will be updated as more information is made known. Refresh for updates!