The Riddle of Bermeja Island: Myth or Reality?
In the Gulf of Mexico, a mysterious islet known as Bermeja captivated explorers, geographers, and governments for centuries. Appearing on charts as a small, reddish landmass positioned north of the Yucatán Peninsula, Bermeja was believed to hold immense geopolitical significance. However, it mysteriously vanished. Despite its prominent presence in maritime maps, all efforts to locate the islet have failed, creating one of the most intriguing geographic mysteries of modern times. Was Bermeja real? And if so, where did it go?
Mexico’s Hunt for Bermeja Island
Before its mysterious disappearance, Bermeja Island was a staple on maps dating back to the 16th century. Its name originates from the Spanish word "bermejo," meaning "reddish." The islet consistently appeared in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) north of the Yucatán Peninsula, at latitude 22° 33' N and longitude 91° 22' W.
The islet’s existence was first documented by early Spanish explorers and officially confirmed by the renowned cartographer Alonso de Santa Cruz in 1539, in his work El Yucatán e Islas Adyacentes. Over time, Bermeja became a critical point of reference in the Gulf’s uncharted waters, frequently appearing in navigation maps and geographic discussions.
As the centuries passed, Bermeja’s consistent presence on charts elevated its significance. Its strategic position was thought to serve as a gateway to regions rich in oil reserves, making it pivotal in debates about maritime boundaries and territorial claims.
The True Value of Bermeja
For centuries, Bermeja’s existence went unquestioned until the late 20th century, when efforts to locate it began to fail. The mystery deepened in 1997 when the Mexican government launched an official expedition to confirm Bermeja’s existence and solidify its maritime borders.
Despite utilizing advanced technology and thorough surveying methods, the expedition found no trace of Bermeja. The search continued, and in 2009, a more comprehensive survey conducted by the National Autonomous University of Mexico for the Mexican Chamber of Deputies also yielded no results.
The interest in Bermeja was not just about the islet itself—it was tied to oil. In 1971, significant oil fields were discovered in the Hoyos de Doña region, prompting Mexico to expand its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). If Bermeja had existed, it would have strengthened Mexico’s position in territorial disputes with the United States over oil rights in the Gulf of Mexico.
Theories About Bermeja’s Disappearance
1. Cartographic Error
The most plausible explanation is that Bermeja never existed. Its appearance on maps could have been a cartographic error caused by misinterpreted nautical data or the desire to fill gaps in uncharted regions.
2. Natural Causes
Another theory suggests that the islet was submerged due to rising sea levels or erosion. British charts from 1844 indicate that Bermeja might have been located 60 fathoms (about 110 meters) below the sea surface, supporting the idea of submersion.
3. International Conspiracy
A more dramatic theory posits that the CIA deliberately destroyed Bermeja to limit Mexico’s territorial claims in the oil-rich Gulf. However, this theory lacks credible evidence and seems improbable given the logistical challenges of erasing an entire islet without leaving any trace.
Conclusion
What truly happened to Bermeja Island? Surveys conducted by Mexico reveal no evidence of its existence, and examinations of the seafloor show no signs of a submerged island. If Bermeja had been submerged due to rising sea levels, remnants of the islet would still be detectable. Similarly, the notion of complete erosion over 400 years lacks geological support.
The idea that the United States could make an entire islet disappear without a trace is far-fetched. It would have been simpler to engage in open conflict than to undertake such a covert and technically questionable operation.
Ultimately, Bermeja appears to be the result of a cartographic mistake—a relic of the challenges faced by early explorers in mapping the unknown. It serves as a fascinating reminder of how human errors can evolve into mysteries that captivate imaginations for generations.