The Science in the Bible

Entry 57 · Section 6: Move

Soundings off Malta

In darkness near Malta, sailors drop a weighted line twice, anchor from the stern, and wait for daylight.

Scripture: Acts 27:27–44

NavigationOceanography

Illustrative reconstruction of a sailor lowering a weighted sounding line from an ancient cargo vessel in darkness and rough weather. The unseen Maltese coast remains indistinct.
Illustrative reconstruction of a sailor lowering a weighted sounding line from an ancient cargo vessel in darkness and rough weather. The unseen Maltese coast remains indistinct.

The question

What horizontal movement and drift rate could accompany the textual change from 20 fathoms to 15?

Why it matters

The two soundings reveal a trend toward danger even though time, bottom slope, and exact track remain unknown.

Suggest a correction or new direction
About this preview: This page introduces the scene and question. It intentionally omits the entry's complete calculation, tables, sensitivity cases, and conclusion.