In the early modern period, Hispanic navigation broadened the world’s maritime horizon. America, Europe and Asia were connected by sea routes that took advantage of coastal geographical features and wind and ocean dynamics to link ports and cultures.
Main ports
Port #13 / 15
The island where it is located was one of the first places discovered by Columbus. It was soon fortified, becoming a strategic military location for the defense of the territory against attacks by foreign powers, in the fight for the conquest of the Caribbean. Some of its fortifications still stand today.
Scattered around the coasts of the United States of America and the Bahamas are thousands of Spanish shipwrecks that once sailed their waters from the beginning of the 16th century to the end of the 19th century. A shared history comprising tales of exploration, colonization, globalization and battles which take place in seas and oceans, facing natural hazards and extreme weather conditions.
10 notable shipwrecks
Story #6 / 10
In 1715, two Spanish fleets were caught in a hurricane off Florida and sank, losing over 1000 lives. Survivors faced starvation and attacks from natives. Only a fraction of the 12 million pesos in cargo was recovered, with much stolen by pirates. It was a tragedy for the new Bourbon dynasty.
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Statistics, anecdotes, specialized vocabulary and a bibliography to help those who want to deepen their knowledge of the historical period in which the shipwrecks reported on this website occurred.
| Period | Ships | Percentage |
|---|
| 16th century | 55 of 150 | 36.67% |
| 17th century | 20 of 150 | 13.33% |
| 18th century | 55 of 150 | 36.67% |
| 19th century | 20 of 150 | 13.33% |
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