The Northern Point of the Bermuda Triangle

The Bermuda Triangle is an area in the Atlantic Ocean that has found its way into the public consciousness. Allegedly, numerous ships and planes have mysteriously vanished there over the years. While visiting the island of Bermuda, I was curious to learn more about the phenomenon. To that end, I took an evening boat ride into those enigmatic waters. Additionally, while strolling around Bermuda’s capital city, I stumbled across the spot designated as the triangle’s official northern point.

Looking out from the northern point of the Bermuda Triangle

Triangle Origins

The notion of the Bermuda Triangle, as we think of it today, seems to have emerged from newspaper articles published in the mid-twentieth century. The earliest one is usually identified as having been written by E.V.W. Jones and was published in various newspapers on September 17, 1950, via the Associated Press. It discusses several instances of ships and planes going missing around Florida, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda. However, it does not identify the area’s triangular shape. That distinction goes to George X. Sand with his 1952 article in Fate magazine, titled “Sea Mystery at Our Back Door.” The actual term “Bermuda Triangle” is attributed to Vincent Gaddis, who wrote “The Deadly Bermuda Triangle,” an article that appeared in the February 1964 issues of Argosy magazine. It would seem that various writers were intrigued by the mysterious disappearances in the region, and interest only grew.

The notion of danger around Bermuda isn’t a modern invention. In the 16th century, it was believed that the islands were home to monsters and evil spirits. This notion arose from the terrifying sounds that sailors heard emanating from this remote locale. In actuality, it turned out the frightening cries were the result of thousands of seabirds inhabiting the islands. However, there was indeed something to be concerned about. A system of reefs surrounds Bermuda and can be treacherous to unwary mariners. Many ships have gone down in years past.

17th century map of Bermuda (Source: Project Gutenberg)

Triangle Sites

During my visit, I was on the lookout for anything that leaned into the Bermuda Triangle lore. I was happy to find a few different sites that fit the bill. Firstly, I checked out The Bermuda Triangle Shop at the Royal Navy Dockyard. It has a nice collection of souvenirs, one of which was a fun Bermuda Triangle t-shirt that I purchased. Right by the store’s entrance, there’s a tall carved piece of art themed to the Triangle. Prominently on it was a sign that said, “Official Tip of the Bermuda Triangle.”

The hall in front of the shop

The sign

Of course, I was curious to sail out onto those mysterious waters. Lucky for me, I was able to go on a glass bottom boat tour that focused on the Bermuda Triangle. It was an evening cruise where we enjoyed various Triangle-related tales and views of the coral and marine life below. Of particular interest was the wreck of the HMS Vixen, which was scuttled in the late 19th century to block a channel. Thankfully, the Triangle posed no issues during our trip.

Underwater view of the HMS Vixen

Exposed part of HMS Vixen

My most unexpected Triangle-related find was while I was walking around Hamilton, Bermuda’s capital city. I came upon a small park, with an inviting sign identifying it as Point Pleasant Park. In small lettering on the sign it stated, “In 2022, the City of Hamilton officially marked Albuoy’s Point at Point Pleasant Park as the Northern point of the Bermuda triangle.” More than a little intrigued, I started walking around the park.

Entering Point Pleasant Park

I thought perhaps the small acknowledgement on the main sign would be all there was to the official northern point designation. I was thrilled to find out there was much more. Firstly, I realized the concrete walkways laid out through the park were actually in the shape of a large triangle. Near the water’s edge, an elaborate bronze plaque was set into the ground, marking that spot as part of the Bermuda Triangle.

Marker at the official tip of the Bermuda Triangle

It was wonderful to see the City of Hamilton embracing the lore of the Bermuda Triangle. The park is a great acknowledgment of a captivating phenomenon, and it makes for a unique spot for tourists to visit.

Causes

There are many hypotheses as to why there have been so many disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle. Theories range from the paranormal (such as portals, extraterrestrials, and Atlantis) to the natural (rogue waves, storms, and eruptions of methane). Apparently, there is some evidence that compasses can point to true north instead of magnetic north in the Triangle, which happens naturally in certain positions on earth (known as agonic lines). Some argue that the number of disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle is not significantly higher than comparable areas. It’s also noted that government agencies do not recognize the Bermuda Triangle as an officially delineated location or an area of specific hazard.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of the truth, or how the Bermuda Triangle came to be known, it’s now a phenomenon that’s embedded in the cultural consciousness. I was pleased to encounter some spots in Bermuda that leaned into that lore, and I found the island an absolutely wonderful place to visit. Having been to the northern point of the Triangle on Bermuda’s shores, I can say that it was a place filled with history, activities, and natural beauty.

Locations

The Bermuda Triangle Store
Clocktower Shopping Mall
Royal Naval Dockyard
Sandys
Bermuda

Point Pleasant Park
Point Pleasant Road
Hamilton
Bermuda

Written by A. P. Sylvia