San Carlos Water facts for kids
San Carlos Water is a bay or fjord located on the west coast of East Falkland. It opens up into the Falkland Sound, which is a narrow stretch of water between the two main islands of West Falkland and East Falkland.
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What's in a Name?
Even though "San Carlos Water" sounds Spanish, the Spanish name "Estrecho de San Carlos" actually refers to the much larger Falkland Sound. This Sound separates the two main islands.
The places like San Carlos and Port San Carlos on the Water, plus the San Carlos River, all got their names from a ship called San Carlos. This ship visited the area way back in 1768.
Exploring San Carlos Water
San Carlos Water is like a long, narrow inlet, similar to a fjord. It angles away from the main Falkland Sound coastline. This angle helps protect it from strong winds and rough weather coming from the Sound. The Sound itself is also protected from the big South Atlantic by hills to the north and many small islands to the south.
This inlet is about 9.3 miles (15 km) long. For about half its length, it's around 1.2 miles (2 km) wide. The bottom of the bay is mostly flat. Its depth ranges from about 20 to 30 meters (65 to 98 feet). The deeper parts, around 20 meters, are about 660 feet (200 meters) from the shore.
The water level changes with the tides. At Port San Carlos, the tide can rise and fall between 0.9 and 1.6 meters (about 3 to 5 feet). The village of San Carlos is located near the very end of this inlet.
The inlet has eight official spots where ships can drop anchor safely.
A smaller and shallower inlet called Port San Carlos is located just north of the main San Carlos Water.
Places Around the Water
Several small settlements are located along San Carlos Water:
- Ajax Bay
- Campo Verde
- San Carlos
- Port San Carlos
A Look Back in Time
San Carlos Water became very famous during the Falklands War in 1982. It was even called "Bomb Alley" during the Battle of San Carlos. This was because British ships faced many attacks from Argentine aircraft there.
Even though British ships were heavily bombed, British troops successfully landed and pushed back the Argentine forces on land. This area was super important for the British invasion of East Falkland, which was occupied by Argentina at the time.
Today, San Carlos Water, along with Grantham Sound, is being considered as a possible end point for a future ferry service. This ferry would connect East Falkland to West Falkland.
Gallery
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Landing site of 2 Para at Blue Beach, San Carlos Water.
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San Carlos Water and British landing sites in Falklands War
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Gentoo penguins, the current residents of Ajax Bay
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The ruined freezer plant at Ajax Bay
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HMS Antelope returning to San Carlos Water 23 May 1982
See also
In Spanish: Bahía San Carlos para niños
