The Bermuda Triangle

The Bermuda Triangle is a loosely defined region in the western Atlantic where ships and aircraft have allegedly vanished under mysterious circumstances. The area has become synonymous with unexplained disappearances, though skeptics dispute its anomalous nature.

The Geography

The Triangle is roughly bounded by Miami, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico. It covers approximately 500,000 square miles of ocean. This is one of the most heavily traveled shipping and flight routes in the world.

Flight 19

The Triangle’s fame began with the disappearance of Flight 19 on December 5, 1945. Five Navy torpedo bombers vanished during a training mission. A rescue plane sent to find them also disappeared. Neither wreckage nor bodies were ever found.

Other Disappearances

Numerous ships and aircraft have allegedly vanished in the Triangle: the USS Cyclops in 1918, the SS Marine Sulphur Queen in 1963, and many others. Some disappeared without distress calls. Some were never found.

The Explanations

Proposed explanations include methane hydrates reducing water density, rogue waves, human error, violent weather, and magnetic anomalies affecting compasses. Supernatural theories include alien abduction, time warps, and the lost continent of Atlantis.

The Skeptical View

Coast Guard statistics show the area does not have an unusual number of disappearances compared to other heavily traveled regions. Many alleged Triangle incidents actually occurred outside its boundaries.

Assessment

The Bermuda Triangle may be more legend than reality. However, the concentration of high-profile disappearances in the region has created a powerful myth that continues to fascinate.