What Waterway Has the Most Sunken Ships?

For decades, the Bermuda Triangle has been a mysterious and intriguing topic among sailors and researchers. However, with modern navigation aids like GPS and electronic charts, the allure of this enigmatic place has somewhat diminished. Nevertheless, while the Bermuda Triangle may no longer be a top concern, other waterways have earned their place in naval history due to the sheer number of sunken ships.

The Great Lakes: An Unrivalled Hub of Shipwrecks

Lake Superior has the dubious honor of being home to the highest number of recorded shipwrecks when considering its size. Combine this with the other Great Lakes, and the count of sunken ships surpasses any other body of water. This is largely due to its expansive surface area and harsh weather conditions, particularly in the winter months, when ferocious storms can quickly lead to tragic outcomes.

The Atlantic Ocean: A Historically Rich Ocean

The Atlantic Ocean deserves mention for its significant number of shipwrecks, especially over ancient times. From Phoenician days to the Age of Sail, countless ships met their fate in its treacherous waters. While the Pacific Ocean is larger and less forgiving, the Atlantic is still home to a notable density of wrecks both in terms of absolute numbers and per mile of coastline.

The Caribbean: A Perilous Haven for Sailing Ships

The Caribbean Sea is another region renowned for its sunken ships, largely due to its volatile weather and the abundance of sailing vessels that crossed its myriad passages. Hurricanes and tropical storms contribute to the high number of shipwrecks in this region, with islands and cays acting as natural traps for unwary sailors.

Coastal Areas: Where Ships Meet Their End

Coastal areas often serve as the final resting places for many sunken ships. The North Cornish coast, for instance, has a notoriously dangerous shape that poses a significant threat to ships, especially those with limited navigation capabilities. The combination of bad weather and dense shipping lanes makes this coast one of the most hazardous. Similarly, the chilly waters around the English Channel, including the approaches from the Northeast and Southwest, have seen their fair share of sunken ships, particularly during World War II.

In the United States, the Outer Banks of North Carolina holds the distinction of being the Graveyard of the Atlantic. This string of barrier islands is marked by treacherous shallows, shifting sandbars, and frequent gales, making it a deadly place for ships. The term "Graveyard of the Atlantic" aptly describes the high incidence of shipwrecks in this area.

In conclusion, while the Bermuda Triangle may no longer capture the public's imagination, the waters of Lake Superior, the Caribbean Sea, and numerous coastal areas remain steeped in history and danger, with countless ships meeting their fate across these treacherous waters.