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No. 114: Nov-Dec 1997

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The bermuda triangle is still spooky

The London Times is a very reputable paper, so we must assume the following story is accurate. It may have a sensible explanation, but it is generic Bermuda Triangle material.

"A Royal Navy frigate found a yacht abandoned and adrift in the Bermuda Triangle. Crew from the HMS London, who boarded the 50ft German ketch Ruth in the mid-Atlantic last week were baffled to find clothes and personal belongings lying around, and even an open book on a bunk."

The HMS London crew cleaned up the vessel and made minor repairs, but it was otherwise shipshape. They learned that the boat belonged to a German couple hoping to sail around the world. Evidence indicated that the yacht had been adrift for all of 10 months.

Repairs made, the Royal Navy crew headed for Puerto Rico, but the Bermuda Triangle did not release its grip. The new crew encountered huge storms, their navigation equipment failed, as did the engine. Using sails, the crew persevered. Now the final twist of the tale.

"Once out of the Bermuda Triangle, the equipment started working again, and the crew arrived safely in Puerto Rico to rejoin HMS London on July 12."

(Foreign staff; "Abandoned Yacht Found Adrift in Bermuda Triangle," London Times, July 16, 1997. Cr. A.C.A. Silk.)

Comment. Could the missing German couple now be living in Argentina under new names? If we find out more or learn that the story is a hoax, we'll let you know.

From Science Frontiers #114, NOV-DEC 1997. � 1997-2000 William R. Corliss