Bahama Bank facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bahama Bank |
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 Bahama Bank
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| Crown dependency | Isle of Man |
The Bahama Bank is a large area of sand under the sea, like a shallow underwater hill. It's located in Ramsey Bay, about 3 miles (4.8 km) off the east coast of the Isle of Man. It's also about 4 miles (6.4 km) northeast of Maughold Head.
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What is the Bahama Bank?
This sand bank stretches for 10 miles (16 km) from its northwest to its southeast end. It is about 1 mile (1.6 km) wide. For many years, the Bahama Bank was a popular spot for fishing near the Isle of Man.
Keeping Ships Safe
In the late 1840s, a special ship called the Bahama Bank Lightship was placed at the southeast end of the bank. This ship had a bright light that could be seen from 10 miles away. It helped guide other ships safely around the shallow waters.
The lightship was in water about 11 fathoms deep. A fathom is an old way to measure depth, equal to 6 feet (1.8 meters).
From Lightship to Buoy
Later, a Lighthouse was built on Maughold Head. Because of this new lighthouse, the Bahama Bank Lightship was no longer needed. It was taken out of service in 1914.
After the lightship left, a buoy was put in its place. A buoy is a floating marker that helps ships know where the bank is.
Ocean Currents Around the Bank
Strong ocean currents flow across the Bahama Bank every day. These currents usually come from the south, likely from the Atlantic Ocean. They move across the bank and into the North Channel. From there, the water flows back into the Atlantic.
Radio Caroline North
In July 1964, two radio stations, Radio Atlanta and Radio Caroline, joined together. They decided to keep broadcasting from their two ships. The MV Mi Amigo stayed near Frinton-on-Sea.
The other ship, the Fredericia, was renamed MV Caroline. It sailed to a new spot near the Isle of Man.
Broadcasting from the Bank
The MV Caroline arrived at its new home on the southern tip of the Bahama Bank on July 6, 1964. From this spot, it began broadcasting as Radio Caroline North. This was a very popular "pirate radio" station.
The ship stayed anchored there until March 3, 1968. On that day, the Caroline was boarded and taken over before it could start broadcasting. It was then towed to Amsterdam by a company that helps ships. This happened because of unpaid bills for services from a Dutch company called Wijsmuller Transport.
Images for kids
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Bahama Bank Lightship
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TSS Duke of Clarence
