Abstract
Previous studies suggest that tropical storms and hurricanes are among the leading causes of shipwrecks in the Caribbean Sea since 1492. This paper will explore the relationship between shipwrecks and hurricanes in the Western Caribbean, particularly Roncador Cay, a place with complex environmental conditions that have made this area a trap for ships, but has up until now, been without rigorous shipwreck analysis. This study covers the period 1492 to 1920 with search results of 23 shipwrecks and 37 tropical cyclones compiled in databases, reviewing seven wrecks already documented and revealing new information on 16, previously not recorded. The sources provide detailed shipwrecks, demonstrating that most accidents occurred by unspecific causes and no direct relationship with hurricanes but were influenced by environmental conditions, such as geomorphology, cold fronts, or currents. There is also a reflection on the sociocultural changes and the influence of power in the region. The study includes a suggested tool for future research, protecting the wreck site and emphasizing the importance of the underwater cultural heritage as an indicator of the active maritime past.
Highlights
Storm activities and hurricanes are among the leading causes of shipwrecks in the Caribbean Sea (Lugo-Fernández et al 2007:38; Rappaport and FernándezPartagás 1997:97-98; Trouet et al 2016: 3173), a place holding a few of the most important Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) sites globally (Leshikar-Denton 2002:279)
Even though García-Herrera et al (2005), Lugo-Fernández et al (2007) and Trouet et al (2016) stated hurricanes as one of the leading causes of shipwrecks in the Caribbean Sea; the result of four shipwrecks caused by hurricanes does not support their observation in the area of research
It can be argued that, the findings reveal no correlation between hurricanes and shipwrecks on Roncador Cay
Summary
Storm activities and hurricanes are among the leading causes of shipwrecks in the Caribbean Sea (Lugo-Fernández et al 2007:38; Rappaport and FernándezPartagás 1997:97-98; Trouet et al 2016: 3173), a place holding a few of the most important Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) sites globally (Leshikar-Denton 2002:279). The Archi‐ pelago of San Andres, Old Providence, and Santa Catalina (ASAPSC) is one of these places in the Caribbean Sea due to its strategic position and environmental con‐ ditions that have made this area a trap for ships (Gould 2011: 82-83; Throckmorton 1964: 51-61). Located more than 77 nautical miles from Old Providence Island, Ronca‐ dor Cay is part of the Archipelago. It was given its name by Spanish mariners because of the “snoring” sound produced by constant wave noise, warning of the dangers to navigation, as a deadly trap for ships (Jameson 2010 [1923]:8; Newton 1914:277). One of the first systematic studies on shipwrecks in the region were conducted by Marx (1987), and Romero and Perez (2005) focused primarily on the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, with a few marine accidents registered in the Cay, but limited information
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