The Bermuda Triangle is one of the most heavily traveled shipping routes in the world. Some skeptics believe that this fact solves the mystery surrounding this infamous area. Statistically, busier regions tend to have higher frequencies of accidents and disappearances, which seems logical. However, the true mystery of the Bermuda Triangle lies not in the frequency of the incidents, but in the lack of explanations or wreckage found.

Christopher Columbus navigated through the Bermuda Triangle on his first voyage to the New World in 1492. He reported witnessing a strange light in the distance one night, unlike anything he had seen before. To add to the mystery, his compass began giving erratic readings. Interestingly, the Bermuda Triangle does not appear on any official world maps, as recognized institutions refuse to acknowledge its existence.

No one can accurately determine how many ships and planes have vanished in this region, but rough estimates suggest around 50 ships and 20 planes. Most disappearances go unexplained, with no wreckage left behind. A notable incident involved TBF Avenger planes that went missing during a routine flight. A rescue operation was launched, including a PBM-5 Mariner airboat, which also disappeared without a trace after sending a routine radio message.

The Bermuda Triangle is known for its unpredictable and intense weather. Storms can develop quickly and dissipate just as fast, which may explain the distress signals issued by pilots and sailors who were caught off guard. A popular theory suggests that rogue waves, or extreme storm waves, might be responsible for many of the disappearances. These waves can reach heights of up to 100 feet and appear as towering walls of water.

In addition to the Bermuda Triangle in the Atlantic, there is a counterpart in the Pacific Ocean known as the Devil’s Triangle. Between 1950 and 1954, nine ships disappeared in this area without leaving any trace. The ship Kyo Maru 5 was sent to investigate these disappearances, but it too vanished, leading Japanese authorities to label the area as a danger zone.

While some attribute these disasters to extraterrestrial activity, others believe they stem from natural phenomena. Scientists have noted the high concentration of methane hydrates on the ocean floor, which can cause gas eruptions that disrupt a ship’s buoyancy, potentially leading to its sinking without a trace.

Volcanic activity is also considered a possible explanation for disappearances in the Devil’s Triangle, as underwater volcanic eruptions can create sudden changes in the landscape, making some islands disappear while others may suddenly appear.

In July 2015, two teenagers disappeared after leaving Florida, claiming they were going fishing. However, they told friends they were crossing to the Bahamas. A line of thunderstorms moved into the area shortly after they set sail, and they were never heard from again. Their boat was later found off the coast of Bermuda with personal belongings inside, but no sign of the boys.

One of the more bizarre theories surrounding the Bermuda Triangle comes from Charles Berlitz, who suggested that the area is the home of the lost city of Atlantis. He theorized that energy emitted from crystals powering Atlantis could be responsible for the missing ships and planes. This theory garnered enough interest to sell over 20 million copies of his book worldwide.