NEW WORLD AND OLD SEA

Recently the International Maritime Organisation celebrated the ‘Day of the seafarer.’ It is to recognise that almost everything that we use in our daily lives has been directly or indirectly affected by sea. Let’s recollect some fascinating events relating to sea and seafarers.

He was the most dreaded sea-pirate in the world. Before capturing a ship he would weave hemp into his beard and light it on fire which terrified the sailors. Pieces of rope burn like fuses among coils of his black hair. Identify the deadly pirate.

This person, the founder of a famous chocolate company got a ticket for $300 to sail on the Titanic, which left on its maiden voyage with 2,224 passengers and crew from Southampton, UK, on April 10, 1912. Due to some unknown reasons he cancelled the ticket. Identify the man.

A shipping container filled with 28,000 objects known as ‘Friendly Floatee’ was lost at sea when it fell overboard on its way from Hong Kong to the United States. The lost objects have revolutionised our understanding of ocean currents, and ocean pollution. What was lost from the sea?

Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan are contesting for this seabed. Is this a lake or a sea? This has been a debate since years. If this is considered a sea, then ownership of the seabed will be based on each country’s coastline. Identify the disputed area?

This country was the world’s top source of seafarers for years until overtaken by China in 2016. In 2010, the secretary-general of IMO described them as sailors who were “unsung heroes” of an “unsung industry”, namely the shipping. Identify the country.