Why is Namibia’s coastline called the Skeleton Coast?

The Skeleton Coast, located in northern Namibia, earns its name from the treacherous reefs and shoals that have historically posed significant dangers to maritime navigation along the Atlantic coast. These hazardous conditions have resulted in numerous shipwrecks, contributing to the region's reputation and its evocative name.1

Today, the area is protected as the Skeleton Coast National Park, where entry is restricted to help preserve the fragile desert environment of the Namib desert.2