Discover The Americas: Explore the Graveyard of the Atlantic, One of Earth’s Coolest Destinations

Off the Atlantic coast of North Carolina, beyond the barrier islands of the Outer Banks, lies one of the most perilous spots in the Atlantic Ocean. Referred to as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, this area is full of treacherous shallow waters where over 5,000 ships have met their end in the last 500 years. This intriguing yet somewhat scary location was recently featured on an episode of NBC’s The Americas.

The shipwrecks in this area range from unknown vessels to those with significant historical importance. Among them is the remains of the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the ship captained by the infamous Blackbeard, which ran aground in 1718. During World War II, German U-boats in the area turned it into Torpedo Alley, taking advantage of the well-lit ships visible from the shore. Stretching from Bodie Island to Cape Fear, the Graveyard of the Atlantic has been a danger zone for sailors, but for underwater creatures, it serves as a source of life.

While watching the recent episode of The Americas, viewers likely left with a desire to learn more about this fascinating topic, and we’ve got you covered.

Each summer, hundreds of sand tiger sharks gather off the coast, congregating around these sunken ships due to the abundance of silvery baitfish called scad. These baitfish attract larger predators that feed on them, creating a bustling ecosystem around the wrecked vessels. The sharks, in turn, benefit from this feast as they swim amidst the shimmering scad, forming an interesting symbiotic relationship.

Shipwrecks on the seafloor may appear to be nothing more than debris, but they actually become hotspots for marine life. Bacteria and other microbes are the first to settle on these wrecks, creating a foundation for corals, sponges, and other tiny organisms. As corals and sponges grow, they attract a variety of sea creatures, turning the wreck into a thriving ecosystem. While sinking ships can have negative impacts, such as damaging existing reef ecosystems and introducing pollution, they also provide opportunities for new life to flourish.

The Graveyard of the Atlantic exemplifies how human history intersects with the natural world, showcasing both the negative and positive impacts of our presence. To learn more about this unique location, tune in to The Americas on NBC every Sunday night or stream it the next day. Understanding the dynamics of the ocean’s shipwrecks can offer insights into the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the resilience of nature in the face of adversity.