Explore the mysterious stories behind the disappearance of legendary islands, from Atlantis to Lyonesse, that have baffled scientists and adventurers for centuries.
From time to time, many stories and legends about lost islands have decorated world history. Some of them are islands that are said to have existed, but over time, their existence has become a big mystery that has not been solved until now.
What caused these islands to disappear? Is there a scientific explanation or is it just fiction? Let’s explore ten islands that mysteriously disappeared and have been the subject of debate and speculation throughout history.
1. Atlantis
Atlantis is a legendary island first mentioned by the Greek philosopher Plato around 360 BC. In the story, Atlantis is described as an advanced civilization that was very powerful and prosperous, but one day the island sank to the bottom of the sea in one night due to a great disaster.
The mystery of Atlantis has attracted the attention of many scientists, researchers and adventurers for centuries. There are various theories about the location of Atlantis, from the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, to Antarctica, but there is no definitive proof of its existence.
Many argue that Atlantis may be a myth, while others believe that the island actually existed and was lost due to a major natural disaster.
Some theories even link Atlantis to the phenomenon of large tsunamis that can sink land in a short time.
2. Bermeja Island
Bermeja Island is an island said to be located in the Gulf of Mexico, between the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico and Florida. The island was first recorded on a map in 1530, but since the 18th century, the island has mysteriously disappeared.
In 2009, scientists and geographers conducted a search and discovered that the location previously identified as Bermeja Island no longer existed, although it had previously appeared on maps and was even used as a reference point by ships sailing in the area.
There have been many theories trying to explain the island’s disappearance, including possible geological shifts or even soil depletion due to fishing or oil exploration.
Bermeja Island is considered to have strategic value due to its important position in maritime territorial claims, and its disappearance adds to the existing political mystery.
3. Sandy Island
Sandy Island is an island that suddenly appeared on nautical maps since the 1800s, especially in the Pacific Ocean region. The island is described as a small sandy island located between Australia and New Zealand.
However, when scientists and researchers tried to trace the island in 2012, they found that the island was not in the location recorded on the map.
After conducting further surveys, they concluded that Sandy Island was probably just a mapping error or perhaps just a fictional depiction on an ancient map.
Although not found, Sandy Island remains a topic of discussion in geographical research and mapping.
4. Pepys Island
Pepys Island is an island mentioned on a 1666 map by an English cartographer. The island is reportedly located in the Southern Ocean, close to Australia. However, upon further discovery, there was no evidence of the existence of Pepys Island, although some maps depict it as a large island with rich vegetation.
The mystery of Pepys Island’s disappearance is largely due to the inaccuracy of ancient maps, leading to speculation that the island may never have existed at all.
There are several theories that Pepys Island was the result of a measurement error or perhaps was simply a name used to mark an uncharted area.
5. Buss Island
Buss Island is an island mentioned in 17th and 18th century European maps, located in the southern Atlantic Ocean. The island is often mentioned in expedition reports, but there is no concrete evidence of its existence.
Some researchers argue that Buss Island may be just a legend or a mistake in the maps made based on inaccurate reports from sailors at that time. Some other speculations say that the island may have sunk due to volcanic activity or natural disasters.
To date, there is no physical or geological evidence that can confirm the existence of Buss Island.
6. Estotiland and Drogeo
Estotiland and Drogeo are two islands mentioned in 16th century maps by European explorers. These two islands are said to be located near Canada or the northern part of the United States. However, there is no clear evidence to support this claim.
Over time, both islands were dismissed as myths or mapping errors, and their existence was increasingly questioned. Although many explorers mentioned the names of these islands in their records, no physical evidence has been found.
Some geographers believe that Estotiland and Drogeo are part of a legend of Vikings or early explorers that is not well documented.
7. Sarah Ann Island
Sarah Ann Island is an island that was first recorded in the 1860s, discovered by British explorers around the Indian Ocean. However, although several maps and reports confirm the existence of this island, there is no evidence to support the claim.
The island is said to have disappeared without a trace, and many theories consider it to be a fictional island or an error in ancient navigation.
No scientific reports or research have succeeded in finding Sarah Ann Island, so its story remains a mystery to this day.
8. Hy-Brasil
Hy-Brasil is an island from Celtic mythology, said to be located off the coast of Ireland. This island is said to be a place of prosperity and wonder, but can only be seen once every seven years.
Hy-Brasil first appeared on 14th century maps, but after further searching, no physical evidence was found to indicate its existence. Some experts believe that Hy-Brasil may be a depiction of a sunken island or simply part of a myth that developed among ancient sailors.
Hy-Brasil has been the inspiration for many folk tales and legends, including stories about a lost island.
9. Antillia
Antillia is an island thought to be located in the Atlantic Ocean, first mentioned in a 15th century map. The island is described as a place rich in gold and magic.
However, until now no evidence has been found to prove that Antillia ever existed. Many believe that Antillia may have been just a figment of the imagination of sailors trying to fill in the gaps on maps of the time.
Antillia has been a subject of interesting research in the field of cartography, but its existence remains a mystery.
10. Lyonesse
Lyonesse is an island supposedly located near Cornwall, England, which is said to have sunk in one night due to a natural disaster. This legend is very well known in English folklore and is mentioned in various medieval literature.
Although many consider it a myth, some researchers believe that Lyonesse may have existed, but sank due to climate change or other natural disasters.
Several archaeological discoveries on the seabed in Cornwall suggest the possibility of man-made structures, strengthening the theory that Lyonesse once existed.
These lost islands add a great mystery to world history and mythology. Some may have actually existed, but were lost due to natural disasters or geographical changes.
Others may be just legends that have developed over time, but they still leave a deep sense of curiosity. Whatever the cause, the story of these lost islands continues to intrigue many people and remains an integral part of our earth’s mysterious history.
