The Santa María, the flagship of Christopher Columbus during his voyage to the New World, faced a significant navigational misstep on Christmas Day. The ship was sailing the waters off the northern coast of present-day Haiti when it ran aground on a reef. This incident occurred due to an improper watch, a likely result of the crew's fatigue and inexperience in navigating these unfamiliar waters. The Santa María had already been under duress from the challenging journey and the demands of exploration. Despite the crew's efforts to refloat the ship, the damage proved irreparable, forcing Columbus to abandon it the next day.

With the Santa María lost, Columbus and his crew were left in a precarious situation. They had to adapt quickly to ensure their survival and the continuity of their mission. Columbus made the decision to establish a settlement called La Navidad using the ship's remains and the crew that would remain behind. This settlement would become a crucial point of contact for future interactions between Europeans and the indigenous Taino people. Columbus's choice to leave men behind led to significant consequences in the region, exacerbating tensions and setting the stage for further exploration.

The loss of the Santa María had lasting implications for Columbus’s expedition. Not only did it affect the supplies and manpower available to him, but it also introduced challenges in establishing governance and relations with local populations. Ultimately, the event marked a turning point in the Age of Discovery, underscoring both the risks of exploration and the unintended consequences of European colonization efforts in the Americas.