After vanishing in 1925 during a voyage through the Bermuda Triangle, the fate of the SS Cotopaxi has finally been uncovered. Long surrounded by speculation and mystery, the ship’s story has now been clarified by marine researchers, bringing resolution to one of the 20th century’s most talked-about maritime disappearances.
The SS Cotopaxi departed Charleston, South Carolina, in late November 1925, carrying coal and a crew of 32, en route to Havana, Cuba. When it failed to arrive, the disappearance quickly became part of the Bermuda Triangle legend — a region in the western Atlantic Ocean known for reports of ships and planes vanishing under unexplained circumstances.
For decades, no trace of the Cotopaxi had ever been officially confirmed — until marine biologist and shipwreck researcher Michael Barnette took on the case. Driven by curiosity and dedication, Barnette spent years examining historical documents, maritime records, and legal filings to track down any evidence that could point to the ship’s location.
His research ultimately led to a shipwreck site about 35 miles off the coast of St. Augustine, Florida — a discovery within the outer boundary of the Bermuda Triangle. Through careful study and underwater exploration, Barnette and his team identified the wreck as the long-lost Cotopaxi.
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