Ferguson Bay facts for kids
Ferguson Bay is a small inlet located on the eastern south coast of Southern Thule Island, which is also known as Morrell. This bay is very important because it's the only safe place for ships to drop anchor and stay protected on Southern Thule.
Ferguson Bay: A Safe Harbor
An inlet is like a small arm of the sea that reaches into the land. Imagine a small finger of water extending from the ocean into the coastline. This makes the water inside the inlet calmer and safer than the open sea.
A safe place for ships to drop anchor is called an anchorage. When a ship drops its anchor, it holds the ship in place, preventing it from drifting away. Ferguson Bay's calm waters and protected location make it an ideal anchorage, especially in an area where rough seas are common.
A Place of History: The Corbeta Uruguay Base
Ferguson Bay holds a significant place in history because it was the site of the Corbeta Uruguay base. This base was set up by the Argentine Air Force.
The Argentine presence at Ferguson Bay began in November 1976. This marked the start of an occupation of Southern Thule Island. The base was named after the Argentine corvette ship, Corbeta Uruguay.
How the Occupation Ended
The Argentine occupation of Ferguson Bay and Southern Thule lasted for several years. It continued until June 1982. At that time, British military forces arrived and ended the Argentine presence on the island. This event was part of a larger historical period involving the Falklands War.
The end of the occupation meant that British control over the South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands was re-established. Ferguson Bay returned to being primarily a safe anchorage, though its historical significance remains.
