Wachusett Reef is a phantom reef in the Antarctic Ocean.
Captain Lambert of the ship Wachusett reported that on June 4, 1899, he passed over a reef which appeared to be of coral formation in approximately latitude . The reef appeared to be about wide. The bottom showed of a dark gray color with deep blue on both sides of the reef. The depth was estimated at from ; unfortunately no soundings were taken.
The 2015 edition of the National Geographic Atlas of the World still shows Wachusett Reef, with a depth of . Nevertheless, its existence is doubtful, making it a phantom reef. Other nearby historically reported reefs which appear to not exist include Ernest Legouve Reef, Jupiter Reef, and Maria Theresa Reef.
Notes
References
Eade, J.V. (1976). Geological notes on the Southwest Pacific Basin in the area of Wachusett Reef and Maria Theresa Reef. Wellington: New Zealand Oceanographic Institute.