Antsiranana_Bay

Antsiranana Bay

Antsiranana Bay

Natural bay along the northeast coast of Madagascar

Antsiranana Bay (also known as Diego-Suarez Bay) is a natural bay that stretches close to 20 kilometres (12 mi) north to south along the northeast coast of Madagascar.[1] The waters average a depth of more than 20 metres (66 ft), and the main channel can be as deep as 50 metres (160 ft).[1] The bay, protected by a narrow inlet that provides shelter from strong Indian Ocean winds, is believed to be the result of a submerging coastline or a drowned river valley that formed many peninsulas around the bay.[1]

Quick Facts Bay of Diego Suarez, Location ...

The bay's principal city, Antsiranana, is located on a headland.

History

The bay was first recorded by European explorers in 1500; sailors in the service of Portugal named the bay for the leader of their expedition, Diogo Soares.[1] The bay was later used for shelter by a number of pirates and privateers during the Golden Age of Piracy, and it has been speculated as a possible location of the legendary pirate colony Libertalia.[1]

References

  1. [1]
    Scheffel, Richard L.; Wernet, Susan J., eds. (1980). Natural Wonders of the World. United States of America: Reader's Digest Association, Inc. p. 124. ISBN 0-89577-087-3.


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