PALMAS, BRAZIL — Various structures and machinery have been found preserved on the bottom of Lake Palmas in Brazil’s Tocantins state. The area was formerly occupied by the Canela village, which was flooded after the reservoir was formed.

Videos posted online by Military Police Lt. Col. Luiz Carlos Marques de Queiroz, who also practices sport fishing, show what remains of the submerged village. The footage reveals structures that have remained at the site since before the lake was filled, between 2001 and 2002.

Queiroz said he maps the lake to support sport fishing activities. Among his most recent discoveries is a structure believed to be part of a former residence, recorded in June 2026.

The officer explained that he uses equipment to identify objects on the lakebed. When he spots a structure or other unusual object, he dives to inspect the find more closely.

According to Queiroz, the searches are conducted at depths of up to 9 meters (30 feet). The dives allow him to identify structures that have remained underwater since the reservoir was formed.

Amazon Agency