Latest news with #Nassau
The Guardian
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Expedition to ‘real home of the pirates of the Caribbean' hopes to unearth ships and treasure
The Pirates of the Caribbean is a $4.5bn swashbuckling film franchise and Blackbeard and Calico Jack Rackham are among marauding buccaneers who have captured imaginations over the centuries. But almost nothing is known about the life and times of actual pirates. Now a leading British marine archaeologist is co-directing an expedition that has been allowed for the first time to search for pirate ships off Nassau on the island of New Providence, a notorious pirate hideout 300 years ago. No one has until now explored the seabed for their ships and treasure, let alone everyday belongings that could be as valuable to historical research as a stash of emeralds, Dr Sean Kingsley said. 'The potential is enormous,' he added. 'We are expecting to find some really cool stuff because this is the real home of the pirates of the Caribbean. 'Pirates didn't keep journals listing their lawlessness. What happened in Nassau stayed in Nassau. If we want to discover the truth, we're going to have to dive for it.' The Bahamas was a major crossroads for trade and more than 500 ships have been wrecked off New Providence since the 1680s, according to historical sources. But there may be dozens more, with pirate ships among them. In 1718, when Woodes Rogers sailed to Nassau to become its governor, he noted 40 seized ships on the shore that had been 'either burnt or sunk' to destroy evidence and 'about 700 pirates'. In 1696, the privateer Henry Avery sailed to Nassau in his ship, the Fancy, laden with loot. He used some of the treasure to bribe the governor of the Bahamas, establishing Nassau as a base for fellow pirates. Top of the most-wanted hitlist of shipwrecks is the Fancy, a 46-gun flagship. Kingsley said: 'Avery of Plymouth lit the fuse and threw the grenade that started the golden age of piracy after looting a Mughal treasure ship of $108m off India. He then sailed to Nassau in 1696 to lie low, party and for the crew to break up with their cut of the booty. Avery scuttled the Fancy in Nassau. It's the crown jewels of pirate ships. If we were to find anything associated with it, it would be spectacular. Its plunder was the greatest and most successful pirate heist on the high seas.' The New Providence Pirates Expedition – which is dedicated to science, education, entertainment and tourism in the Bahamas – is drawing on historical and archaeological evidence to conduct the first underwater survey, which begins in September. The project has secured the first-ever agreement with the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation of the Bahamas, a partner collaborator. Kingsley has explored more than 350 shipwrecks in the last 30 years and is the founding editor of Wreckwatch, the world's only magazine dedicated to the sunken past. The affiliated Wreckwatch TV is collaborating with the New Providence Pirates Expedition to bring 'the history, ruined landscape and sea dogs of the golden age of piracy between 1696 and 1730 back to life' through a documentary film, The Mystery of the Pirate King's Treasure. The film's co-director, Chris Atkins, said: 'The Bahamas, with its azure waters and crystal-clear underwater visibility, is a film-maker's dream. For the first time in history, viewers are going to see with their own eyes the places where Blackbeard and gang terrorised the Americas. Somewhere out there are the wine bottles they partied with, the tobacco pipes they smoked, the pieces of eight carelessly lost and so much more. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with the real pirates of the Caribbean.' Asked how they will identify pirate shipwrecks, Kingsley said: 'Generally, if you find a Dutch, English or French shipwreck, it has a very specific type of material culture on it. If it's Spanish, it will have olive jars, a good marker. If it's British, it may have Bristol or London tobacco pipes, for instance. On a pirate wreck, you will find French, English and Dutch ceramics and a mix of coins, anything from Arabian to British, and weapons such as stinkpots, explosive weapons used by pirates.' Dr Michael Pateman, the expedition's co-director and the ambassador for history, culture and museology in the Bahamas, said: 'This is the first project to reconstruct the port and landscape where Blackbeard, Calico Jack Rackham, Anne Bonny and the rest of the notorious Flying Gang were based. Anything could still be down there.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Nassau Sheriff's Office puts 6 officers on paid administrative leave amid investigation
Six Nassau County Sheriff's Office officers are on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation, Times-Union news partner First Coast News confirmed. The individuals on leave are four sergeants and two deputies, the Sheriff's Office said about the June 18 breaking news. "At this time, all I can confirm is that there is an active investigation involving [several employees] and they are on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, Public Information Officer Robert Grant told the station in a statement. "We cannot comment further until the investigation is complete." Dirty cops: Ex-Nassau County sheriff's sergeant gets 17 years in prison for putting drugs back on street It was not immediately clear why the employees are under investigation. First Coast News is not naming the individuals involved because they are not currently charged with a crime. First Coast News is working to obtain the employee files for the individuals involved. This is a developing story. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Nassau Sheriff's Office puts six officers on leave for investigation
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bahamasair Signs Landmark MOU and Interline Agreement with Emirates
Milestone agreement enhances visitor access and supports Bahamasair's modernization. Nassau, The Bahamas, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation announces a major advancement in global airlift following the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Interline Agreement between Bahamasair and Emirates Airline. The signing took place in Delhi, India, marking a pivotal step toward strengthening The Bahamas' connectivity to international source markets. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, describes the agreement as a bold move to expand The Bahamas' presence in key global regions. 'This partnership with Emirates is a game-changer for The Bahamas,' says Minister Cooper. 'It allows us to tap into a powerful global network across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond, bringing more visitors to our shores, strengthening our airlift strategy, and elevating Bahamasair as a regional connector. The fact that Emirates is moving swiftly on implementation is a clear sign of confidence in The Bahamas as a destination and in the potential of this collaboration.' The interline agreement creates a framework for travelers to book seamless, single-ticket journeys from any destination within Emirates' network to The Bahamas via strategic gateway cities. In addition to passenger connectivity, Emirates commits to a range of technical and operational support for Bahamasair. This includes staff training opportunities, the adoption of best practice policies, joint marketing presentations to its global sales teams, and the exploration of Bahamasair's potential inclusion in Emirates' Skywards frequent flyer program. Discussions also include collaboration on cargo services through Miami, opening the door to increased commercial opportunities between India and The Bahamas. Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airlines said: 'We are pleased to establish an interline partnership with Bahamasair to expand our reach to new and exciting destinations and offer travel options for our customers planning journeys to the Caribbean nation. The interline partnership offers customers the convenience of connecting in Florida for travel onwards to points across the Islands of The Bahamas, while enjoying competitive fare pricing, the convenience of booking the entire journey on a single ticket and a generous baggage policy. 'This partnership also supports our agreement with The Bahamas' Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote the Caribbean destination across our network.' Tracy Cooper, Managing Director of Bahamasair, echoed the significance of the partnership, noting that the agreement positions the national carrier for long-term growth. 'This partnership significantly elevates Bahamasair's global profile and opens access to invaluable expertise and new markets. By aligning with one of the world's most respected airlines, we strengthen our capabilities and lay the groundwork for sustained international growth.' Minister Cooper was joined by a high-level delegation including Anthony Stuart, Senior Director for Emerging Markets at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation; His Excellency Tony Joudi, Ambassador of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the United Arab Emirates; Inell Collie, Legal Counsel for Bahamasair; and representing Emirates Airlines, Anand Lakshminarayanan, Divisional Senior Vice President, Revenue Optimisation, Order Management, and Airline Partnerships, and Mr. Adnan Kazim, Deputy President & Chief Commercial Officer. For the latest travel information and inspiration, visit About The BahamasThe Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travelers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the Earth's most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It's Better in The Bahamas at on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram. CONTACT: Anita Johnson Patty The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism ajohnson@ Bahamas USA FINN Bahamas Bahamasusa@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Arabian Business
11-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Emirates, Bahamasair partner to launch Caribbean connectivity via Florida gateways
Emirates and Bahamasair have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish an interline partnership that will benefit customers travelling to The Bahamas. The partnership enables Emirates to expand its reach in the Caribbean, allowing customers to utilise the services of The Bahamas' national flag carrier from Florida to one of three destinations on the island country. Under the unilateral agreement, customers travelling on Emirates to Miami or Orlando will be able to connect to Bahamasair flights to Nassau, Freeport or San Salvador, with the convenience of booking itineraries with both airlines on a single ticket. Emirates' customers will enjoy baggage allowance when flying on Bahamasair to the three destinations. Emirates, Bahamasair boost Caribbean connectivity 'We are pleased to establish an interline partnership with Bahamasair to expand our reach to new and exciting destinations and offer travel options for our customers planning journeys to the Caribbean nation. The interline partnership offers customers the convenience of connecting in Florida for travel onwards to points across the islands of The Bahamas, while enjoying competitive fare pricing, the convenience of booking the entire journey on a single ticket and a generous baggage policy,' Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said. Kazim added that the partnership supports Emirates' agreement with The Bahamas' Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote the Caribbean destination across its network. As part of the MoU, both carriers will explore opportunities to enhance their cargo interline cooperation and potential partnerships under their frequent flyer programmes. 'This partnership significantly elevates Bahamasair's global profile and opens access to invaluable expertise and new markets. By aligning with one of the world's most respected airlines, we strengthen our capabilities and lay the groundwork for sustained international growth,' Bahamasair Managing Director, Tracy Cooper added. Florida gateways, Miami and Orlando, are amongst the 12 U.S. destinations that the world's largest international airline currently flies. Emirates serves Miami with daily flights with its Boeing 777, along with five-weekly services to Orlando, connecting travellers across its network of over 140 destinations. On the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market, Emirates and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly promote tourism to the Caribbean nation in a partnership aimed at developing the country's tourism and trade industries.
Travel Daily News
11-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
The Bahamas brings its distinct experiences to Florida
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation and destination stakeholders will emphasize that The Bahamas offers far more than a single getaway, inviting travelers to return repeatedly to discover the country's rich diversity. NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation will launch a series of regional sales and marketing missions targeting one of its most lucrative and closely connected markets, Florida . A delegation led by the Honourable I. Chester Cooper , Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, will host events on 10 and 11 June, along with Director General Latia Duncombe and other senior officials. With the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale DMA recording the highest number of U.S. arrivals in January and February 2025, and year-over-year growth continuing from key cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa and Boca Raton, officials are determined to harness this momentum to secure long-term growth, deepen trade partnerships, and showcase the latest tourism innovations and development plans. 'Our mission to Florida is vital because it strengthens connections with a market that drives significant revenue into the Bahamian economy. By refreshing these ties and targeting key niche travelers we ensure that more bookings flow directly to Bahamian businesses and communities. This collaboration strengthens the bond between our two destinations, unlocking new opportunities and driving multi-destination travel that amplifies tourism's positive impact throughout The Bahamas. We are forging a future where tourism fuels sustainable growth,' said DPM Cooper. Following the launch of its latest advertising campaign, It's not one island, it's a lifetime of them, the Ministry and destination stakeholders will emphasize that The Bahamas offers far more than a single getaway, inviting travelers to return repeatedly to discover the country's rich diversity. The team will engage with a broad range of tourism industry professionals including wholesalers, travel specialists, journalists, potential investors, airlines, and corporate partners. These strategic meetings will offer valuable opportunities to build connections with product specialists, participate in in-depth discussions during Q&A sessions, explore new product developments, and experience authentic Bahamian culture firsthand – complete with local culinary delights, rhythmic music, refreshing cocktails, and a lively Junkanoo rush-out. DG Duncombe added, 'Florida is a key market and an essential part of our growth strategy. These missions reinforce our most strategic partnerships and showcase the depth and diversity of product offerings across our 16 island destinations. Every engagement drives booking potential, unlocks new trade opportunities, and strengthens tourism's contribution to national development. That is the true spirit of a lifetime of islands.'
