2006-09-12 05:48:44 · 7 answers · asked by Raunak B 1 in Travel ➔ Australia ➔ Northern Territory (Darwin)
Probably for the same reason that any other reef is hard to navigate.................wait.........because.....ITS A REEF!!
Meaning of reef - A submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface of the water
2006-09-12 18:36:04 · answer #1 · answered by SketchyDrafty 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It was also a danger because it was a lee shore for the prevailing trade winds. The wind blew and the swell drove sailing vessels toward the reef, and as square rigged ships were very inefficient sailing into the wind there was a great danger of shipwreck.
James Cook nearly lost the Endeavour this way after repairs at Cooktown.
2006-09-12 19:24:19 · answer #2 · answered by iansand 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Duuhhhhh!!! Let me guess. Could it be because it was a GREAT BARRIER to navigation, and ships could come crashing upon the reef? Why the Hell do you think it was named the GREAT BARRIER REEF!!! Another brilliant question brought to you by Yahoo Q&A!
2006-09-12 12:55:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is more than a thousand miles long, was uncharted for many years and is subject to extreme tropical storms called cyclones for 6 months of the year, (Nov-Apr). It also has at least one nasty stingray and plenty of even nastier sharks!
2006-09-13 20:11:58 · answer #4 · answered by ozidestrier 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because the waters can get very shallow there and rip the hull of a boat open with ease.
2006-09-12 12:54:13 · answer #5 · answered by j H 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because it was very difficult to see before your ship ran aground, and it covered a huge area around Australia with very few inlets through it.
2006-09-12 12:54:05 · answer #6 · answered by Pundit 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because it was virtually invisible
2006-09-12 17:48:07 · answer #7 · answered by malcy 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋