IT’S an area shrouded in mystery with stories of unexplained disappearances and strange happenings. So its no wonder that Bermuda is also home to one of the biggest shipwreck sites in the world.
With more than 300 identified wrecks off its coast, it has become a virtual time capsule preserving historic wrecks in the Atlantic that are hundreds of years old.
The eerie underwater remains capture history. Picture: Dive Bermuda Source: Facebook
Bermuda’s propensity for taking down ships is explained by its position in the Atlantic Ocean where the Gulf Stream draws ships into the path of its many shallow reefs.
It is now known as a world-class wreck dive site thanks to its shallow waters and clear visibility and divers can swim among encrusted hulls, preserved cannons and historical relics.
One of the most popular dives is the Cristobal Colon, the largest wreck in the Bermuda. The 152-metre Spanish luxury liner was completed in 1923 and was one of the fastest boats in her day. Making the passage between New York and Central America, it ran aground in 1936 after crashing into a coral reef. Today she lies 16 metres underwater with wreckage scattered over 9000 square metres of sea floor.
Inside the hull of a sunken ship. Picture: Bermuda Dive Association. Source: Facebook
The 60-gun French frigate, L’Herminie, sank in 1863 and is the most impressive warship wreck in the area. The three masted wooden hulled sailing boat was returning to France when it crashed into the shallow reef and now lies just 10 metres below the water.
A graveyard of ships litter the Bermuda Triangle. Picture: Singpraise13. Source: Flickr
And one of the most historic shipwrecks is the Mary Celestia, a side paddlewheel steamer chartered during America’s Civil War. Used as a blockade runner, she smuggled guns, ammunition, supplies and food to troops in the south. The 68 metre-long ship sunk in 1838 after hitting a reef close to the south shore. Lying 16 metres underwater, divers can explore its paddlewheels, boilers, anchor and bow.
The hundreds of shipwrecks remain remarkably intact despite the rough Bermuda weather due to strict marine preservation and today are the playground of diving enthusiasts.
Divers brave the cursed waters. Picture: Bermuda Dive Association. Source: Facebook
A tug boat sits perfectly preserved on the sea bed. Picture: Dive Bermuda. Source: Facebook
An underwater museum of history. Picture: Dive Bermuda. Source: Facebook
Home to fish and part of the coral reef. Picture: Dive Bermuda. Source: Facebook
A museum showcases historic finds. Picture: Vernaccia. Source: Flickr
The deep blue mystery of Bermuda. Picture: Dive Bermuda. Source: Facebook
Even its metal structures couldn’t protect against the reefs. Picture: Cait Stewart. Source: Flickr
