Missing Ships: Vanishing Acts on the High Seas

In the vast expanse of the world's oceans, there are tales of ships that have embarked on journeys, never to be seen again. Some of these stories are spine-tingling, while others leave us wondering about the fates of those who set sail into the unknown. It's intriguing to note that in today's world, with technology aiding navigation, getting lost at sea is a rarity. But not more than a century ago, during the age of exploration when there were still uncharted territories, getting lost was common and expected.

The Vivaldi Expedition: The Mysterious Disappearance

Let's rewind to the year 1291, a time when the world was still in its exploring phase. The Vivaldi expedition, led by the adventurous Vivaldi brothers, Vanino and Yalina, set sail from Genoa, Italy, with a bold mission in mind – to find a route to India by circumnavigating the southern tip of Africa. They gathered a mighty crew and stocked up with provisions to last ten years. With a promising start, they crossed the Mediterranean Sea. However, somewhere in the mid-1290s, something eerie happened. No one ever saw the Vivaldi brothers again. They vanished without a trace.

In 1312, another brave soul named Lanel Michello embarked on a similar voyage in an attempt to find the missing Vivaldi brothers. He sailed as far as the Canary Islands, where he reportedly built a fort and remained for over 20 years, yet still, he had no luck finding the Vivaldi brothers. Similarly, Anton Uzo Deare, another seeker, tried his hand in locating the missing duo but met the same fate. Almost a century passed, and it was claimed that a descendant of the Vivaldi crew was found, who recounted a story that they reached Senegal, where they were captured and spent the rest of their lives. But did they really make it that far, or is this just a tale lost to the tides of time? We may never know.

Madok's Enigma: The Welsh Prince's Vanishing Act

Centuries before Christopher Columbus set sail, Madok, a Welsh Prince, ventured to find a new land. In 1171, Madok departed Wales with ten ships and returned with incredible stories of his adventures that fascinated many. His tales inspired some to join him on a second journey. However, his 18 brothers, all vying for the vacant throne, were embroiled in disputes. Madok, a man of peace, distanced himself from the power struggle. After convincing people to join him, they set sail, but none of them returned. This enigmatic story, recorded in a Welsh manuscript in the 1500s, lacks details. Some believe that Madok might have reached what is now known as Alabama in the United States. Reports claim the discovery of Welsh armor and the presence of stone forts along the Alabama River, attributed to foreigners before Columbus's arrival. Additionally, the Manden language shares some similarities with Welsh. Yet, there remains no solid evidence that Madok indeed set foot on American soil.

John Cabot: The Forgotten Explorer

While Christopher Columbus is celebrated for discovering the New World, John Cabot, an Italian explorer sailing under the English flag, is less known. In June 1497, Cabot is believed to have reached the coast of Canada, specifically Bon Vista, Newfoundland, and planted the English flag, claiming the territory for England. This marked the first European expedition to North America after the Viking explorations. Upon his return, Cabot was hailed as a hero, awarded a substantial sum equivalent to two years' wages for an average worker, and granted an annual pension. However, it's astonishing how Cabot's name remains relatively obscure despite his groundbreaking achievement.

The Mysterious Disappearance of John Cabot

What's peculiar is the lack of detailed records regarding Cabot's subsequent voyages. Some sources suggest he undertook a second expedition to the West with five ships, leaving from Bristol in May 1498 for trade. However, there are no records indicating whether he succeeded in this endeavor or whether he disappeared altogether, leaving a void in the annals of exploration.

The Odyssey of Eudoxus of Cyzicus

Let's travel further back, before the Roman Empire's roads led to Rome, to the time when the Greeks were engaging in trade with India. This trade route had its peculiarities – the Greeks did not venture all the way to India; instead, they found ports halfway to obtain exotic goods. It was Eudoxus of Cyzicus, a Greek explorer, who made the first direct journey from Egypt to India in 116 BC, with the assistance of an Indian sailor who had been shipwrecked in the Red Sea.

However, during his second voyage, Eudoxus' ship was blown off course near the African coast as he attempted to circumnavigate the African continent. This audacious attempt at circumnavigation remained unexplored for a thousand years.

The Mysterious Disappearance of Paul and Tessum

In the early 1900s, explorers were still setting out to discover the uncharted. In 1919, Roald Amundsen, a Norwegian explorer, sailed with his crew. However, one crew member, Peter Tessum, fell ill during the voyage and was dropped off in a town called Dixon for medical care. Paul, another crew member, stayed with Tessum, who knew the area well. Yet, after a year, both men and their ship mysteriously vanished. A search party was dispatched but could find no trace of them. Another year later, a gold watch engraved with Tessum's name was discovered just outside of Dixon, leaving the fate of the two men shrouded in mystery.

George Bass: The Explorer Who Vanished

George Bass, an English surgeon and sailor, is celebrated for his significant contributions to the scientific community. He conducted studies on Australian flora and fauna and discovered Bass Strait, a pivotal geographic landmark. In 1803, he planned an expedition that was highly suspicious, setting sail from Australia to South America. Given the strained relations between Britain (which ruled Australia) and Spain (which ruled South America) at the time, Bass's voyage raised eyebrows.

In February 1803, George Bass embarked on his journey and was never seen again. Some speculate that he may have been captured by the Spanish, but there are no records in Peru to substantiate this claim. Meanwhile, the British also lack records of his capture. Thus, George Bass's vanishing act remains an unsolved mystery.

In the annals of maritime history, these missing ships and their intrepid explorers leave us with questions that may never be answered. Each story represents a unique enigma, a testament to the perilous and enigmatic nature of exploration on the high seas.