There are places in the world that evoke strong expectations, whether it’s the joy of Disney World or the party vibe of Mykonos. But there are also locations associated with negative events like human suffering, disasters, or disappearances. These places carry a sense of unease because of their troubled history. Whether it’s a one-time event, an ongoing phenomenon, or mysterious circumstances, there are spots on earth where people just go missing. Let’s explore ten such locations with unsettling histories.
Suvla Bay
Suvla Bay, on Turkey’s Gallipoli peninsula, is known for shipwrecks, with 216 between April 1915 and January 1916. But the strangest event is the disappearance of a battalion of soldiers in August 1915. Witnesses saw a silvery cloud envelop a British colonel, 16 officers, and 250 soldiers. The cloud then rose, joined others, and vanished against the wind.
Later, 180 bodies were found scattered nearby, appearing as if they’d fallen from a great height. The reason for the deaths and disappearances remains unknown, leading to theories ranging from UFOs to secret chemical weapons. Others suggest a silent battle or friendly fire. [1]
The Sargasso Sea
The Sargasso Sea, in the North Atlantic Ocean, is unique as it’s the only sea without a shoreline. It’s bounded by currents, forming an ocean gyre covered in Sargassum seaweed and near the Bermuda Triangle.
The Sargasso Sea has a reputation for ghostly ships. Nicknames like “Graveyard of Ships” and “Sea of the Lost Ships” come from tales of phantom ships wandering its waters. The Rosalie, Ellen Austin, and the SS Connemara IV are well-known examples. Many unnamed boats have also been found drifting. Some ships were even found with skeletal remains. These disappearances remain unexplained. [2]
The Flannan Isles
The Flannan Isles are seven uninhabited islands in Scotland. In 1899, a lighthouse was built on Eilean More. Before the year ended, three lighthouse keepers vanished.
On December 7, 1900, Donald MacArthur, Thomas Marshall, and James Ducat started a two-week rotation. Robert Muirhead, the Superintendent of Lighthouses, last saw them alive during a routine check. The lighthouse was also monitored from the mainland, but mist often obscured the view.
The lighthouse was visible on December 7th and 12th, but a ship reported it off on the 15th. Their relief arrived late on the 29th due to weather. They found a stopped clock, no fire, and untouched food. The men were gone, leaving only theories. [3]
Lake Anjikuni
Lake Anjikuni is a remote lake in Canada’s Northern Territories, covered in ice for half the year. Historically, Inuit communities used it for fishing and trade.
In November 1930, fur trapper Joe Labelle found an Inuit community near the lake deserted. There was no foul play, but the inhabitants had clearly left quickly. Food was over fire pits, and projects were unfinished. Seven sled dogs had starved. Labelle also saw an exhumed grave, seemingly done by a human.
Labelle reported this to the police, who found the Inuit had been missing for eight weeks. They couldn’t find them or uncover what happened. Officers also reported seeing strange blue lights over the lake, which inspired theories about UFOs. [4]
Pecos, New Mexico
Pecos, New Mexico, near Santa Fe, is known for beautiful scenery but also for disappearances, earning it the nickname “The New Bermuda Triangle.” Emma Tresp and Mel Haldel are two recent cases.
In 1998, Emma Tresp took a wrong turn on her way to a monastery. Her car was damaged on Forest Road 375, known as “The Devil’s Road.” She left her belongings in the locked car and appeared to search for help on foot. Her footprints circled the car, and search dogs couldn’t pick up her scent.
About 5 miles away, Mel Haldel disappeared in 2009 after separating from his hunting party. Like Emma, Mel’s footprints stopped abruptly, as if he vanished. [5]
The Devil’s Sea
The Devil’s Sea, or “Dragon’s Triangle,” is near Japan in the Pacific Ocean, between Japan and the Bonin Islands. Its exact size is debated. It’s considered one of twelve vile vortices, areas with stronger electromagnetic waves, and has undersea volcanoes and methane hydrates.
Besides missing planes and submarines, the Devil’s Sea is infamous for vanished ships. Legends say it makes even strong vessels disappear with their crew. The research ship Kaio Maru No. 5 was sent to search for missing vessels in 1952 but suffered the same fate. Theories range from sea creatures to black holes and time warps. [6]
Roanoke Island
Roanoke Island, off the coast of North Carolina, was England’s first colony in America and the site of “the biggest unsolved mystery in American history.”
In August 1587, John White, governor of Roanoke Island, sailed to England for supplies. Delayed by the Spanish Armada, he returned in August 1590 to find the colony abandoned. The only clue was “CROATOAN” carved on a post and “CRO” on a tree.
The fate of the colonists remains unknown. Erosion has affected Roanoke Island, so the colony’s remains may be underwater. [7]
Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake, one of Nevada’s largest natural lakes, is surrounded by unique rock formations. Despite its beauty, it has a dark history that some link to several disappearances. It was the site of a bloody battle between Native Americans and white settlers.
The Paiute tribe believed Pyramid Lake was cursed. One legend tells of a mermaid who cursed the lake after her relationship with a tribesman was disapproved of. Another legend involves demons known as “Water-Babies” who pull fishermen under. Visitors report hearing crying sounds on the water in spring, the same time most boating accidents happen.
These legends are often mentioned when swimmers or boaters disappear in the lake. Bodies are often never recovered or are found in Lake Tahoe, even if they drowned in Pyramid Lake. [8]
Superstition Mountains
The Superstition Mountains, east of Phoenix, Arizona, are known for the Lost Dutchman’s treasure. They also have dangerous wildlife, steep drops, and temperature swings. The many disappearances, strange sounds, and unexplained deaths have earned it its name: superstition.
Two such hikers were Adolf Ruth and James A. Cravey. Adolf Ruth, a treasure hunter, acquired maps to old mines, believing one would lead him to the Lost Dutchman’s treasure. Instead, he disappeared and died. A message in a bottle said he’d broken his leg but hinted he found the treasure. He was later found with a bullet hole in his skull, a mile from the rest of his body. Similarly, in 1947, James A. Cravey’s headless body was found tied in a blanket, his head 30 feet away.
These deaths fueled interest in the treasure, adding to the list of disappearances and deaths. [9]
Yosemite National Park
National parks are notorious for disappearances, and Yosemite might be the most frequent. Located east of San Francisco, its recent increase in missing person cases could be due to popularity or danger. Over 700 cases have been reported since the first disappearance in 1851.
One case involved photographer Ansel Adams, who vanished in 1928. There’s also a disturbing trend with children going missing. The most known case was 14-year-old Stacey Arnas, who disappeared while camping with her family in 1981. Some attribute these disappearances to legends, including Native American curses, supernatural beings, Bigfoot, evil spirits, and ghosts. [10]
These destinations, marked by mystery and unexplained vanishings, are a chilling reminder of the unknown. Whether due to natural phenomena, tragic events, or local legends, each place leaves us with unanswered questions and a sense of unease.
What do you think about these mysterious destinations? Share your thoughts and theories in the comments below!
