Historical Events tagged with "bahamas"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Natural Disasters

Devastation of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas

September 2nd, 2019 5 years ago

Hurricane Dorian, classified as a Category 5 storm, made landfall in the Bahamas, causing extensive destruction and loss of life. The storm reached its peak intensity with sustained winds of 185 mph, making it one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded. The islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama were among the hardest hit, with entire neighborhoods underwater and significant damage to infrastructure and homes. Local emergency services reported at least five fatalities and many more people missing, highlighting the humanitarian crisis faced by survivors.

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Natural Disasters

Hurricane Matthew Reaches Category 5 Status

September 30th, 2016 8 years ago

Hurricane Matthew intensified into a Category 5 hurricane, becoming the strongest hurricane in the Caribbean Sea since 2007. The hurricane had formed earlier in September and brought high winds and heavy rainfall to several Caribbean islands. This powerful storm significantly impacted Haiti, Cuba, and the Bahamas, raising concerns for potential destruction due to its strength.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Aaliyah and entourage perish in plane crash

August 25th, 2001 23 years ago

American singer Aaliyah and several members of her entourage tragically lost their lives when their private plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Marsh Harbour Airport in the Bahamas. The aircraft, which was overloaded, went down in the nearby waters, resulting in a significant loss of life and shocking fans worldwide. Aaliyah was only 22 years old at the time, having achieved fame with her hit songs and acting roles.

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Politics & Government

Bahamas and Germanys Join United Nations

September 18th, 1973 51 years ago

On September 18, 1973, The Bahamas, East Germany, and West Germany were admitted as member states of the United Nations. This significant expansion brought the total number of UN member states to 132. The addition of the two German states was particularly noteworthy, marking a step towards international recognition and engagement during a period of heightened Cold War tensions.

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Politics & Government

The Bahamas Achieves Full Independence

July 10th, 1973 51 years ago

The Bahamas gained full independence from British rule, becoming a sovereign nation within the Commonwealth of Nations. This milestone was marked by the establishment of a democratic government and the celebration of the Bahamian culture and identity. Sir Lynden Pindling, the country's first prime minister, played a crucial role in negotiating the terms of this independence. The event was celebrated with festivities, including parades and ceremonies, reflecting the aspirations of the Bahamian people for self-governance.

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Crime & Law

Terry Jo Duperrault Survives Bluebelle Murders

November 12th, 1961 63 years ago

Terry Jo Duperrault was a young girl who survived a horrific incident aboard the ketch Bluebelle in the Bahamas, where her family was brutally murdered. The vessel, which had been sailing with crew and family members, became a site of violence leading to the tragic loss of her loved ones. Terry Jo's resilience shone through as she managed to stay afloat in the open waters for hours before being rescued, and her testimony later became critical in exposing the chilling circumstances.

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Natural Disasters

Hurricane Devastates Naval Air Station Richmond

September 15th, 1945 79 years ago

A powerful hurricane struck southern Florida and the Bahamas, resulting in the destruction of 366 airplanes and 25 blimps stationed at Naval Air Station Richmond. The storm created chaos and significant loss for the Navy, which had accumulated a considerable inventory of aircraft for post-war operations. The hurricane highlighted the vulnerability of military infrastructure to natural disasters.

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Crime & Law

Zong massacre: 54 Africans murdered for insurance

November 29th, 1781 243 years ago

The crew of the British slave ship Zong decided to murder 54 enslaved Africans by throwing them into the sea. This brutal act was committed to claim insurance against loss of cargo during the slave voyage from Africa to the West Indies. The incident occurred due to a shortage of provisions and was calculated to maximize compensation under the ship's insurance policy. The captains justified their actions by claiming the Africans were overboard due to illness, leading to legal proceedings and public outrage.

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Military & Warfare

First Amphibious Landing by US Marines

March 3rd, 1776 249 years ago

The United States Marine Corps initiated its first amphibious operation during the Revolutionary War with the Battle of Nassau, targeting the British-held Bahamas. Spearheaded by Lieutenant Colonel William Eaton, about 250 Marines and Continental Navy sailors landed on New Providence Island on March 3, 1776. The goal was to seize weapons and supplies for the rebellious colonies. The operation faced little resistance and marked a significant early victory for the fledgling Marine Corps, showcasing their capability in naval warfare and amphibious assaults.

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