The Vanishing of the Waratah

Here’s a historical mystery most people have forgotten. In July of 1909, a large passenger

ship called the Waratah departed from Durban, South Africa, bound for Cape Town.

More than two hundred passengers and crew were on board, along with valuable cargo.

A few days into the journey, another vessel spotted the Waratah near South Africa’s Wild

Coast. The two ships signaled each other. Nothing seemed unusual. But that moment

would be the last confirmed sighting of the ship. When the Waratah never reached its

destination, a massive search began. Ships combed the coastline.

Later, aircraft joined the effort. Yet no wreckage was found.