Underwater Structures Off Cuba Spark Debate: Lost City or Geological Formation?
HAVANA, CUBA – Mysterious geometric structures discovered nearly 700 meters (2,300 feet) beneath the waves off Cuba’s coast continue to fuel debate among scientists and enthusiasts, over two decades after their initial detection in 2001. Initial sonar scans revealed alignments, massive blocks resembling streets and buildings, and pyramid-like formations, prompting speculation about a submerged city-even comparisons to the mythical Atlantis.
The finding, initially reported by “sciences and Life,” raised the possibility of a civilization predating the Egyptian pyramids by over 4,000 years, potentially exceeding 6,000 years in age. Though, the depth presents a significant challenge to this theory. For a terrestrial site to be located at 700 meters underwater, it would necessitate an age of approximately 50,000 years, predating the emergence of known civilizations capable of such construction.
Researchers now largely favor a geological explanation, suggesting the formations are natural rock structures shaped by tectonic and erosion processes. Cuban geologist Manuel Iturralde, while acknowledging the intriguing appearance of the structures, emphasizes the lack of supporting evidence. “But without material evidence: tools, pottery, artefacts, it is indeed impractical to assert a human origin.”
Despite initial media attention and a planned expedition by renowned oceanographer Sylvia Earle-later canceled-no major scientific examination has been undertaken in over twenty years. The prohibitive cost of deep-sea exploration, technical complexities, political factors, and scientific skepticism have all contributed to the stalled research.
The underwater formations join other controversial underwater discoveries, such as the Yonaguni monument in Japan and the “Bimini road” in the Bahamas, both initially proposed as man-made structures before being attributed to natural geological processes.
The blurry images from 2001 remain the sole visual record, continuing to inspire both skepticism and speculation. While some believe further investigation is warranted to potentially rewrite history, others maintain that the available evidence is insufficient to justify the expense and effort. For now, the true nature of the Cuban underwater structures remains a mystery.
