Cargo ships have been a mainstay of global trade for centuries. From spices and silk to electronics and automobiles, these ships have transported goods of all types across the vast oceanic expanses. However, with the increasing number of cargo ships traversing the seas, there have also been numerous accidents leading to the sinking of these vessels, resulting in untold losses.
It may surprise you to learn that there are currently estimated to be over 20,000 shipwrecks sitting at the bottom of the world’s oceans. Of these, a significant number are cargo ships that met their end due to collisions, storms, equipment failure, or piracy.
It is difficult to ascertain the exact number of cargo ships at the bottom of the ocean. Still, according to the World Ocean Review, over 3,000 of these ships have sunk since 1950, with an average of around 140 casualties recorded each year. These numbers exclude smaller vessels, fishing boats, and ships that sank before such comprehensive data recording systems existed.
Some of the most infamous cargo ship accidents include the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975, which resulted in the loss of all 29 crew members; the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, which was carrying a cargo of mail, machinery, and luxury goods; and the 1978 capsize of the MV Amoco Cadiz carrying about 1.6 million barrels of crude oil, causing one of the worst oil spills in history.
It is not always easy or economically viable to salvage a shipwreck, and many remain on the seabed for years or even centuries, gradually becoming home to a wide variety of marine life. However, the remains of these cargo ships may cause environmental hazards, particularly if they contained toxic chemicals or materials. In such cases, attempts are made to remove the wreckage or contain the pollutant. The process of marine salvage is both challenging and expensive, requiring specialized knowledge and equipment to recover lost vessels and their valuable cargo.
Cargo ships are vital to global trade, but the risks involved in navigating the seas can lead to accidents and the loss of these vessels. The exact number of cargo ships at the bottom of the ocean is difficult to estimate, but it is clear that many vessels have sunk to the depths of the ocean over the years, largely as a result of human error or natural disasters. Salvaging these vessels is no easy feat, particularly in remote and hazardous locations, but efforts must be made to minimize the damage to the environment and prevent further loss of life.