A new scientific theory proposes that the mysterious disappearances of ships in the Bermuda Triangle are due to dangerous wave patterns that can overwhelm vessels like the USS Cyclops. Simon Boxall, an oceanographer from the University of Southampton, has put forth this explanation after conducting extensive research and experimentation.
Located between Florida, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico, the Bermuda Triangle is known for its unpredictable weather patterns, fluctuating sea levels, and complex navigational conditions. While it has been associated with numerous ship and plane disappearances, the area is not unique in terms of maritime incidents, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), which reported that the frequency of such events is not higher than in other well-traveled parts of the ocean.
In an attempt to understand the potential causes of the disappearance of the USS Cyclops in 1918, Boxall and his team recreated a scale model of the ship. They tested the model against simulated rogue waves, which are known to be particularly dangerous due to their height and speed. The results of these experiments suggested that such waves could quickly overwhelm a vessel like the USS Cyclops, particularly given its flat base and large size.
Boxall explained that the combination of high and steep waves, which can exceed 30 meters in height, could lead to ships being submerged in a matter of minutes. This theory is supported by Karl Kruszelnicki, an Australian scientist, who has also highlighted the role of human error and adverse weather conditions in maritime accidents. He emphasized that the number of ships and planes that disappear in the Bermuda Triangle is not significantly higher than in other parts of the world on a percentage basis.
While the theory provides a plausible explanation for some of the incidents, it does not entirely eliminate the element of mystery. The lack of a definitive explanation for certain disappearances has contributed to the supernatural connotations often associated with the Bermuda Triangle. Nevertheless, many experts argue that natural phenomena and human factors are more likely to be responsible for the incidents rather than any supernatural causes, as stated by both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard.