Anegada Passage | |
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![]() Map of the British Virgin Islands, with the Anegada Passage labeled at right side. | |
Location | British Virgin Islands Anguilla |
Coordinates | 18°22′41″N 63°50′15″W / 18.37806°N 63.83750°W |
Max. length | 200 kilometres (120 mi) |
Max. width | 65 kilometres (40 mi) |
Average depth | 2,300 metres (7,500 ft) |
The Anegada Passage /ˌænəˈɡɑːdə/ is a strait in the Caribbean that separates the British Virgin Islands and the British ruled Sombrero Island of Anguilla, and connects the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean. It is 2300 m deep. Because the threshold depths are 1800 and 1600 m, Atlantic deep water from 1600 m level may flow into the deep areas in the Caribbean Sea.[1]
The Anegada Passage is a key shipping lane for the Panama Canal.[2] Often called the "Oh-my-god-a Passage",[3] it is considered a difficult passage for sailors because of the winds, waves, and swells.[4]