The Drake Passage, located between Cape Horn in South America and Livingston Island in the South Shetland Islands, is one of the most dangerous sea lanes in the world. Before the Panama Canal opened in 1914, ships were forced to pass through the strait, which has an average depth of about 11,150 ft (3,400 m) and is prone to storms.
**Statistics and Risks:**
– More than 8,800 ships have sunk here, with an estimated 20,000 fatalities. In 2022, a rogue wave killed a cruise ship passenger.
– The journey through the Drake Passage takes about 48 hours, but it is challenging. Many passengers feel seasick and have to hold onto food and drinks, while the ship is often rocked.
**Passenger Experience:**
– Seafarers describe the feeling as if they were in a washing machine. They often have to tie themselves to chairs or beds to keep from being thrown out during the violent shaking of the ship.
– Everything on board, from food to computers, needs to be secured to avoid being thrown off tables during big waves.
**Weather Conditions:**
– The Strait has strong winds of 30 to 45 mph, creating waves that can be as high as 66 feet.
– The Antarctic Current, which flows through here, carries large amounts of water, creating tremendous power for the waves.
**Environmental Impact:**
– The Drake Passage plays an important role in maintaining the cold temperatures of Antarctica, preventing warm air from entering. This helps protect the ice and limit the rise of sea levels.
– Without the Drake Passage, Antarctica would be warmer, leading to the melting of 11.5 million square miles of ice, causing serious environmental disasters.
**History of discovery:**
– The strait is named after the English explorer Francis Drake, who first explored the area in 1578.
– Its harsh conditions prevented humans from setting foot on the Antarctic mainland until the 19th century.
The Drake Passage, despite its dangers, still attracts many large ships and passengers, as it offers a memorable journey through wild and majestic waters.
