The Straits of Magellan
A colour image of the Fleet in the Straits of Magellan
In the Straits of Magellan, rumor had it, massive whirlpools could twist a ship completely around.
Winds, known as wiliwaws, were said to be so wild that ships would be dashed to pieces on the rocky shores of such nightmarishly labeled places as Delusion Bay, Desolation Island, Point Famine and Dislocation Point, all inhabited by cannibals, of course.
One newspaper in California, the Sacramento Union, prophesied shipwreck and cannibalism should the Great White Fleet attempt the Straits.
"We don't want our Jackies eaten by terrible Tierra del Fuegans," wrote the Editor.
Artist Reuterdahls wonderful painting of the Fleet in the The Straits of Magellan
Fortunately a Chilean naval cruiser met the Fleet and carefully guided it through the Straits.
Although there was considerable fog and wind, the Fleet completed its passage without mishap and encountered none of the calamities conjured up by the over-active imaginations of the many newspaper editors.
Now in the South Pacific, the Fleet set its track for Punta Arenas, Chile.
The next instalment will be the USS Vermont.
Regards
Sean
