Methane Hydrates

Another widely suggested explanation involves a natural gas that forms in the ocean, creating bubbles that can reduce the water’s density. “There is a microscopic chance of something called methane clathrate,” Kruszelnicki said. “Which are methane gas bound in ice could bubble loose from the ocean floor, come up to the surface and then have a shower of bubbles appearing at the surface.”

However, this theory was disproven, as this gas could not have caused the disappearance of ships and planes, especially not all of those that have “fallen victim” to the Triangle.

Human Error

Kruszelnicki explains that each case of disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle involved either human error, bad weather, or a combination of both. For instance, Flight 19 is one of the most well-known events that brought attention to the Triangle.

The Doomed Flight 19

In December 1945, a squadron of five torpedo bombers disappeared over the Bermuda Triangle while on a training mission. “In charge of them was Lt. Charles Taylor, who, on two occasions, was such a bad navigator that he got lost at sea,” Kruszelnicki stated.

He further explained that Taylor had attempted to have someone else take charge of the mission, but his request was denied. Additionally, he was seen on duty without a watch, which was considered “very unprofessional,” and was also reportedly hungover.

Kruszelnicki went on to say, “Once out at sea, he then did not follow the standard lost at sea procedure with regard to the training mission. And instead of heading back to the west, he kept on going east, further out into the Atlantic Ocean, ran out of fuel and vanished.”

Stick with Bermuda Triangle Fiction

Certainly, weather and poor decisions aren’t exactly thrilling topics to tell around the campfire. While the truth may be dull and disappointing, it doesn’t have to take away from the intrigue surrounding the Bermuda Triangle. Much like other urban legends, such as “Bloody Mary” or Bigfoot, you don’t have to believe in them to enjoy the stories. And remember, air and sea travel can be hazardous anywhere in the world, no matter the potential supernatural factors involved.