Serranilla-Serrana

[treasurefindr]

Hello!

I have been reading this forum for several months now and I find it more than just interesting and informative. I am picking up on a collective thread that runs through all of you. Its your passion!!! that draws me to keep comming back. I may have a few questions and i will always have a suggestion. So allow me to merge,if you will, and hopefully we can glean from each other.

Has anyone been to either Serranilla or Serrana bank that can provide detailed information about the cays and islands? Looking for topo maps, Aeriel views, satelite images(good detail). I understand that there was a military base on serranilla in the early 60's.

K

 

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[Mackaydon]

treasurefindr

We've been out the 15th to Bajo Nuevo.
South of that line is Nicaraguan territory, though they sometimes venture across the line into Honduran waters.
Serranilla ("Sarah") is also manned by the Nicaraguans. When we were in the area (Beacon Key--out to the eastern end) about 30 soldiers were on that one key--without a boat--their supply vessel comes about once a month to resupply and redeploy troops. The other keys are only very small sand islands; no veg., a prevailing 2k westerly current except between the islands where it can race. Sandy bottom, navigable and relatively shallow on the 'inside' of the chain; except for my dive platform that twisted off in a storm and sits on that bottom.

Bajo is unoccupied except for those hunting lobsters--and a big cargo vessel that made a slight nav. error and ended on the beach. At one time, Sarah was a US (guano) island, then co-claimed by the the US and Hondurans; the US relinquised its claim to the Hondurans, but the Nicaraguans took possession and control--because they have bigger boats with bigger mounted 'toys'.
Don......

 

[treasurefindr]

Hey Mackaydon:

Thanks for the response. Can you reccomend a source for any detailed maps of the area? Also, how long ago were you there and what time of year?

thanks

 

[Mackaydon]

treasurefindR

Best sourece for general nav. charts that I've found come from Bluewater Charts and Maps
http://www.bluewaterweb.com/helpfiles/FAQ.asp

The chart I used at Serranilla is from a British Navy survey of 1835; 12th ed. Apr. 1920; Revised 9/18/67, produced by the US Naval Oceanographic Office as Chart # 1489. Only Beacon Cay is habitated. With the exception of Beacon Cay, these islands aren't more than 3/4 feet in height. "Inside depth behind these cays averages about 6-10 fathoms; mostly sandy bottom. Though the set of the current is about 310, we've experienced some big rollers coming in from 50.
The chart used for Bajo Nuevo was a chart prepared in (coincidentally) 1835 under the direction of Commander Richard Owen, off the surveying vessel, "Thunder". His chart notes two wrecks on "East Reef". We saw a freighter hung up on West Reef. The West Reef stretches for maybe 6 miles West of "Low Cay", a small island sometimes reaching 5 feet in height. East Reef may have nothing visible above sea level. Both Cays are full of rocky heads 'inside'.

Somewhere I have my charts for Alligator Reef and others in the surrounds, but Blue Water should be able to easily provide you with your needs. That said, what are you looking for, if I may ask?
Don......

 

[Mackaydon]

treasurefindr:
I misstated that Nicaraguans were on "Sarah"; I believe they were Colombians.
Don......

 

[Chagy]

Two people have claim to find treasure fleet vessels in Serranilla. One is trying to get permits in Colombia and the other in Honduras. It used to be Colombian territory they gave it to Honduras and Honduras gave it back to Colombia, now Honduras is saying they never gave it back. I know they where in dispute not sure if it has been solved.
You can find this information online search for Serranilla banks.

Best,



Chagy.........