What they found offered a more grounded explanation than many of the previous theories. According to Barnette, the ship had departed in poor condition, with essential equipment like hatch covers either damaged or missing. When a storm struck, the Cotopaxi was unable to withstand the rough conditions and took on water quickly. A previously overlooked distress signal, discovered by historian Guy Walters, confirmed that the crew had radioed for help on December 1, 1925 — a message that, unfortunately, went unanswered.
The final hours aboard the Cotopaxi were marked by severe weather and a vulnerable ship. Despite the best efforts of its crew, the vessel succumbed to the storm and sank in shallow waters. The identification of the wreck provides long-awaited answers and honors the memory of those on board.
While this discovery doesn’t confirm any supernatural theories, it does something even more meaningful: it offers closure. By turning a mystery into a human story, the truth behind the Cotopaxi reminds us of the real lives involved in these maritime events.
Today, the SS Cotopaxi rests on the ocean floor — a quiet tribute to the people who sailed it and the enduring allure of the sea. Though one legend of the Bermuda Triangle has now been explained, the region continues to inspire fascination, where stories of history and mystery still meet.