How many cruise ships have sunk in the Drake Passage?
The choppy waters of the Drake Passage, named after English explorer Sir Francis Drake, who never actually traveled through the waterway but sailed close to the location in 1578, are believed to have caused more than 800 shipwrecks.
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Today, modern ships can cross the Drake Passage and its waves very reliably, as they handle the swells better and have much more advanced navigation systems. However, the Drake Passage may well also be calm, which some people refer to as the 'Drake Lake'.
The Black Sea is home to some of the roughest waters in the world. Strong currents and unpredictable storms make it a treacherous place for ships. And, with an average depth of over 2 miles, it's also one of the deepest seas on Earth.
Dealing with the Drake PassageYou can help to minimise the effects of sea sickness with a few basic techniques: Staying hydrated is key, as is avoiding drinking alcohol. Eat light, regular meals. Stay active by going for a walk around the ship or venturing up to the deck.
The Drake Passage is an extremely deep body of water with an average depth of up to 11,150 feet. However, it's thought that the ocean floor reaches depths of around 15,700 feet near the passage's southern and northern boundaries. That's 43 and a half football fields.
As they continue to drift north, icebergs are usually pushed east by the powerful Antarctic Circumpolar Current funneling through the Drake Passage. From that point, icebergs often whip north toward the equator and quickly melt in the area's warmer waters.
Cruise ships are designed to withstand rough seas and storms, and they have advanced weather forecasting equipment and experienced captains who can make the best decisions for the safety and comfort of the passengers and crew.
While a cruise ship in rough seas can be unpleasant, it rarely results in a canceled voyage. However, it may make nausea-prone passengers seasick and force the ship to skip ports.