Which of Columbus's Ships Sank
The Santa Maria was the only ship lost during Columbus's first voyage. It ran aground off Hispaniola in December 1492 and was abandoned. The Niña and Pinta survived the journey and returned to Spain.
What Happened to the Santa Maria
The Santa Maria struck a reef near present-day Haiti and was irrecoverable. Columbus ordered its timbers used to build a small fort. The ship did not sink in deep water but was left behind and later broke apart.
Fate of the Niña and Pinta
The Niña and Pinta made it back to Spain and continued to be used in later voyages. The Niña was lost at sea around 1501, while the Pinta's final fate is uncertain. For more details on the ships, see History.com.
