Rogue Waves Identified as Likely Cause of Bermuda Triangle Mysteries, Say Scientists

Oceanographer Simon Boxall of the University of Southampton has proposed a compelling theory suggesting that rogue waves are the primary explanation for many of the unexplained disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle. These colossal waves, which can reach heights of up to 30 meters (nearly 100 feet), are believed to be capable of sinking large vessels in mere minutes.

Boxall explains that the Bermuda Triangle, a region situated between Florida, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico, is particularly prone to rogue waves due to its unique meteorological conditions. The convergence of storm systems from the north and south, potentially amplified by systems originating from Florida, can create a deadly combination that generates these massive waves. He notes that their steepness, height, and sudden appearance make them exceptionally dangerous.

The theory is supported by simulations conducted by Boxall's team using a scale model of the USS Cyclops, a U.S. Navy ship that vanished in 1918 with 306 crew members. The simulations demonstrated how a ship of the Cyclops's size and flat base could be broken in half by a rogue wave, leading to a rapid sinking with no trace left behind.

Despite the enduring allure of supernatural explanations, scientific inquiry and statistical data suggest a different narrative. Research from institutions like the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicates that the number of incidents in the Bermuda Triangle is not significantly higher than in other busy ocean thoroughfares. This aligns with the findings of researcher Larry Kusche, who in his 1975 book, "The Bermuda Triangle Mystery – Solved," debunked many sensationalized accounts by highlighting inaccuracies and exaggerations in previous reports, noting that many alleged disappearances were either misreported, occurred outside the Triangle, or were not as mysterious as portrayed.

While scientific explanations grounded in meteorological phenomena provide a logical framework, the mystique of the Bermuda Triangle persists, fueled by public fascination with the unknown. However, understanding the power of natural forces like rogue waves offers a more grounded perspective on the challenges faced by mariners and aviators in this dynamic region of the Atlantic.