The Devil’s Sea, also known as the Pacific Bermuda Triangle, is a region in the Pacific Ocean notorious for mysterious incidents reminiscent of those associated with the Bermuda Triangle. In Japan, this dangerous place is known as ‘Ma no Umi,’ or the Sea of the Devil. It has a bad reputation and has caught worldwide attention because of the mysterious disappearances of ships and their crews.
Devil’s Sea has another name, Dragon’s Triangle, published by author Berlitz in the book The Dragon’s Triangle. Possible reason behind the name Dragon’s Triangle. There is a myth that dragons live deep in the sea when they do any moment it causes waves, and sudden storms to occur in the sea. However, it was not found in the further research.
Area and Location of Devil’s Sea
The exact boundaries of the Devil’s Sea are not officially defined, with most references stemming from various books and research by different authors. Official mapping is lacking, and the area’s precise location remains disputed.
Incidents and Happenings
- 1945 Incident: The first major incident happened in 1945 when a Mitsubishi A6M Zero aircraft disappeared in the region. Flying through the triangle, wing pilot commander Shiro Kawamoto sent a strange signal before vanishing. His final message was, ‘…something is happening in the sky… it’s opening up
- 1955 Incident: In 1955, the Japanese ship Shinyo Maru lost contact near the Triangle, and the entire crew disappeared without a trace. This incident led the Japanese media to call the area ‘Ma no Umi.’ The ship was found later, but the mystery persisted.
- Multiple Disappearances: Various incidents have been reported near the Yokohama Coast Guard Office region. U.S. newspapers described the area as the Devil’s Sea, noting that nine ships disappeared without a trace under seemingly perfect weather conditions.
- Kaiyo Maru No. 5: In 1952, in response to the mysterious disappearances, Japanese authorities sent the investigation ship Kaiyo Maru No. 5. Tragically, this ship also disappeared, further cementing the area’s dangerous reputation.
- Berlitz Claims: Author of the Book “The Dragon’s Triangle’ Mr. Berlitz. He made a theory that at starting of 1942 five military vessels got lost near the Devil’s Sea.
Controversies
- Larry Kusche’s Claims: In his 1975 book The Bermuda Triangle Mystery – Solved, American author Larry Kusche questioned many of the myths about the Devil’s Sea. He pointed out that Japanese authorities had been warned to avoid the area within 10 miles of Myojinsho, a volcano 450 miles from Tokyo, which might erupt. Despite this warning, the authorities sent Kaiyo Maru No. 5 to investigate the volcano, and the ship was destroyed in the eruption, resulting in the loss of its crew.
- Discrepancies in Reports: Kusche also claimed that most of the nine missing ships were small fishing boats with inadequate radio communication. The weather during these disappearances was reportedly poor, contrary to earlier reports. He clarified that the number of crew members was around 31 (22 crewmen & 9 scientists), not 100, who were lost in the volcanic eruption in 1952. Research was also conducted on Dragon’s Triangle but it was all empty. That was mentioned in the book of Charles Berlitz.
- Natural Explanations: Research into the geography of the location provided natural explanations for the mysterious incidents:
- Methane Hydrates: Large deposits of methane hydrates at the bottom of the ocean can release gas explosively at temperatures above 18°C. This creates buoyancy capable of engulfing large ships without a trace.
- Volcanic Activity: The presence of underwater volcanoes and their potential eruptions can also explain the sudden disappearance of ships in the area because their eruptions could be so huge that can sink a gigantic vessel.
These explanations have helped debunk many myths, offering more grounded reasons for the phenomena reported in the Devil’s Sea.
Conclusion:
In summary, the Devil’s Sea has attracted many due to its association with mysterious disappearances. While theories range from supernatural to natural causes, such as methane hydrate explosions and volcanic activity, the region’s reputation persists. Despite scientific explanations, the region remains a subject of fascination and mystery.