About two thirds of the Earth’s surface is covered by the seas and oceans. The Earth comprises 97% of water being the home to millions of wonderful creatures. It conceals many secrets within their depths which are still unknown to many. A series of mysterious phenomena have been witnessed and experienced by many sailors around the world. Some of them are listed below:
1.) What is the Bermuda Triangle?
The Bermuda Triangle also known as the ‘Devil’s Triangle’ is a large area of the Atlantic Ocean that stretches between Bermuda, Puerto Rico and Florida where many ships and aircrafts have mysteriously disappeared without a trace. Many scientists believe that gigantic watersprouts might be the source of this incident. Some people also believe that they have been abducted by the UFO(Unidentified Flying Objects).
2.) Are there any Ocean Deities?
The ancient sailors and fishermen used to worship ocean gods and goddesses to protect them from calamities like ferocious storms, cyclones, tsunamis and high tides and to bless them with a successful voyage. In Roman mythology, Neptune and his consort, Salacia were worshipped as God of waters and seas, whereas in Greek Mythology, Poseidon and his wife Amphitrite were worshipped as God and Goddess of seas and oceans.
3.) Do Mermaids Really Exist?
In ancient mythology, it was believed that mermaids or aquatic humanoids originated around 1000 B.C. Although many sailors and explorers have claimed sightings of half woman and half fish like creatures but it is unlikely. Many books and movies were inspired by this fictional character. Furthermore mammals like Manatee and Dugongs looks very much similar to mermaids. To this date, no proof of mermaid’s existence had come to light.
4.) What was the ‘Marie Celeste’ ?
Marie Celeste was a huge merchant ship which was found drifting amidst the Atlantic Ocean on 4th December 1872 .The captain, his family and all the crew members had vanished mysteriously. The ship was carrying poisonous form of denatured alcohol. Many believe that some supernatural power or pirates must be behind this incident. Several movies, tv shows and books were made about it. The disappearance of the entire crew remains one of the enduring mysteries of all time.
5.) The Lost Island of Atlantis
This magnificent city of Atlantis is believed to be submerged beneath the ocean without a trace with all it’s inhabitants after a massive tsunami or earthquake.It was first mentioned by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato more than 2,300 years ago.It is believed that the collosal city of Atlantis existed in the Atlantic Ocean and it is estimated to be bigger than both Asia and Libya combined. The disappearance of Atlantis still remains as one of the oldest and greatest mysteries of the world.
6.) The World’s Largest and Deepest Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest of all oceans in the world. It covers 63 million square miles (approx) and contains more than half of the free water on Earth. The Mariana Trench is the deepest part of the Pacific Ocean spanning more than 1,500 miles.
7.) The Legend of Flying Dutchman
The Flying Dutchman is a famous ghost ship which left Amsterdam in 17 century and sailed for East Indies . A ghostly spirit challenged her caption so he sailed right into the storm wrecking his ship and killing everyone aboard. There is a myth that the ship and her crew continue to haunt the seas bringing bad luck to all that see her.But scientists believe that it can be a result of an illusion or mirage that makes distant objects such as ships or shoreline appear to be floating in the sky.
8.) What are the ‘Coral Reefs’?
Coral reefs enhance the beauty of oceans and seas by its vibrant colours, shapes and sizes. Although it may appear like a plant, resembling deer antlers, honeycomb and trees but they are actually tiny animals called ‘polyps’. They grow very slowly at a rate of 2cm per year. There are primarily three types of coral reef formations:- barrier reefs, coral atolls, and fringing reefs. The world’s largest, the Great Barrier reef is located in Australia.It is so huge that it can be seen from outer space !
9.) Why are Sharks afraid of Dolphins?
Sharks are considered to be the most fearsome aquatic predators. But surprisingly they are afraid of calm and friendly dolphins. Dolphins usually travel in groups known as ‘pods’.Whenever their member is in danger they immediately sense the sharks and rushes to defend. Dolphins have also saved the lives of many surfers and frogmen from the brutal attacks of sharks.
10.) Underwater Artifacts
Many sea and ocean miners believe that seas and oceans are full of hidden artifacts ( priceless gems, statues, tools etc) than all the museums in the world due to shipwrecks, and disappearance of many islands and cities. In recent years many underwater museums are constructed for fascinating the tourists. The submerged bronze statue of Jesus Christ called, ‘Christ of Abyss’ in San Fruttuso, Italy is a major tourist attraction. Recently India is all set to construct the first underwater museum off the Pondicherry coast.
