Drake Strait is an intercontinental strait that connects the southern parts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (in the case of the Southern Ocean, it may fully or partially refer to it).
Drake Strait is an intercontinental strait that connects the southern parts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (in the case of the Southern Ocean, it may fully or partially refer to it).
To the north of the strait is the southernmost point of South America — the Diego Ramirez Islands (Tierra del Fuego Archipelago) and Cape Horn, and on the opposite side - the South Shetland Islands (Antarctica).
It is the widest (of those with their own name) strait on Earth: at its narrowest part, its width is at least 820 km. It is also the deepest, with a depth of more than 5000 meters.
The Drake Passage, the treacherous body of water that separates South America from the Antarctic Peninsula, has long been shrouded in myths and legends. One such tale tells of a powerful sea god who dwells beneath the waves, ruling over the passage with an iron fist.
According to the legend, the god grew tired of the constant intrusion of human ships and decided to unleash his wrath upon them. He summoned fierce storms and crashing waves, causing many vessels to capsize and disappear into the depths below.
But the sailors of old were a hardy and superstitious bunch, and they knew how to appease the sea gods. They would offer up sacrifices of food and drink to the gods before setting sail, hoping to gain their favor and safe passage through the treacherous waters.
And so the tradition continued, passed down from generation to generation. Today, sailors who navigate the Drake Passage still pay homage to the sea gods, hoping to earn their blessings and avoid the fate of those who have fallen victim to the god's wrath.
Despite the modern advances in navigation and technology, the Drake Passage remains a formidable challenge for even the most experienced sailors. And so the legend lives on, a reminder of the power and unpredictability of the sea, and the need for sailors to always show respect to the gods who rule over it.
