(CNN) — A single of the most famous rock formations in the Galapagos Islands has collapsed into the sea.

The best of Darwin’s Arch, positioned in the northern aspect of the archipelago, fell as “a consequence of pure erosion,” according to the Ministry of Atmosphere for Ecuador.

Photos of the structure, which now is composed of just two pillars, were posted on the social media accounts for the ministry on Monday alongside a statement confirming the news.

“The collapse of Darwin’s Arch, the eye-catching purely natural bridge discovered fewer than a kilometer from the primary space of Darwin Island, was described,” the ministry claimed in the assertion.

“Darwin’s Arch is manufactured of natural stone that at a person time would have been element of Darwin Island, which is not open to visits by land.”

Named right after English biologist Charles Darwin, the arch is deemed just one of the very best diving spots in the Pacific Ocean archipelago which is aspect of Ecuador and located hundreds of miles off the country’s coastline.

Legendary web site

The UNESCO Environment Heritage web-site, regarded for its many endemic animal and plant species, famously inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Tour organization Aggressor Adventures, which organizes group journeys to several places all around the planet, indicated in a publish shared on Fb that one particular of its tour teams witnessed the incident just take place.

“However these days, our guests of the Galapagos Aggressor III seasoned a once in a life time function,” the enterprise shared.

“This early morning at 11:20 a.m. neighborhood time, the environment renowned Darwin’s Arch collapsed in entrance of their eyes.

“Some in the dive & journey field are now referring to this now as ‘The Pillars of Evolution’. We will miss out on this legendary web site.”