Open letters once carried the weight of revolutions, reforms, and daring personal sacrifice. Below are ten fascinating stories that show just how powerful a well‑crafted missive could be.

Fascinating Stories Behind Historic Open Letters

10 J’Accuse

On 13 January 1898 the front page of the French daily L’Aurore featured a headline that would echo through the ages: “J’accuse.” The line introduced an open letter written by Emile Zola, one of France’s most celebrated writers, and it was aimed squarely at the injustice surrounding the imprisonment of army officer Alfred Dreyfus. Dreyfus had been convicted of a crime he did not commit, and the military, desperate to hide its blunder, tried to sweep the truth under the rug.

Zola’s letter begins with a flourish of courtesy that would make any modern diplomat blush: “Would you allow me, grateful as I am for the kind reception you once extended to me, to show my concern about maintaining your well‑deserved prestige and to point out that your star, which until now has shone so brightly, risks being dimmed by the most shameful and indelible of stains?” The compliments quickly give way to a scathing indictment of the army’s cover‑up.

The publication sparked a fierce clash between intellectuals and the establishment. The French military sued Zola for libel, and the writer was sentenced to a year in prison. He fled the country to avoid incarceration, but his letter achieved its ultimate goal: Dreyfus was finally exonerated in 1906 and awarded the Legion of Honor. Zola, however, died in 1902, still awaiting Dreyfus’s freedom.

9 To The People Of Texas …

The Alamo remains one of America’s most iconic battlefields. In February 1836, the modest garrison at the mission was besieged by Mexican forces. Its commander, Lieutenant Colonel William B. Travis, drafted a desperate plea for assistance on 24 February. In just over 200 words he wrote, “To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World… victory or death,” underscoring his willingness to die for the cause.

Travis’s missive proved futile—he fell in battle less than two weeks later. Yet the letter survived. In February 2013 it was returned to the Alamo, escorted by a guard of honor, and placed behind bullet‑proof glass for public viewing. Metal‑detector‑equipped guards scan every visitor, ensuring the document’s safety. Though his comrades could not save Travis, modern Texans safeguard his words for posterity.

8 A Soldier’s Declaration

When the First World War erupted, the British poet‑soldier Siegfried Sassoon marched into the trenches with patriotic zeal. By 1917, however, the relentless carnage had eroded his belief in the war’s purpose. Encouraged by philosopher Bertrand Russell, Sassoon composed an open letter to The Times that began, “I am making this statement as an act of wilful defiance of military authority because I believe that the war is being deliberately prolonged by those who have the power to end it.”

The letter’s language is unflinching: “I can no longer be a party to prolonging these sufferings for ends which I believe to be evil and unjust.” The piece caused a sensation, even being read aloud in the House of Commons. Sassoon’s literary reputation saved him from a court‑martial; he was declared to be suffering from shell‑shock and sent to a Scottish hospital, where he was warned that further protest could land him in an asylum.

Both Sassoon’s declaration and the later letter by David Davis share a common thread—courageous dissent in the face of death. Their words remind us that bravery can take the form of both defiance and steadfastness.

7 Yorkshire Slavery

The British slave trade was officially banned in 1807, yet a new form of exploitation lingered in the factories of Yorkshire. Land steward Richard Oastler, a vocal abolitionist, turned his attention to child labor. On 29 September 1830 he published an open letter in the Leeds Mercury that declared, “It is the pride of Britain that a slave cannot exist on her soil,” while exposing the brutal reality of children as young as seven being forced to work from six a.m. to seven p.m. with only a half‑hour for meals and recreation.

Oastler’s impassioned plea shocked the nation. He urged citizens to vow “eternal enmity against oppression by your brethren’s hands” until no British man or woman could be bought, sold, hired, or made a slave. The letter helped push Parliament to limit child‑working hours to eleven a day, though Oastler pressed on. He lost his job, spent years in a debtors’ prison, and later succeeded in securing a ten‑hour workday in 1847.

6 Open Letter To The United Nations

Niels Bohr, the 1922 Nobel laureate famed for his work on atomic structure, also contributed to the Manhattan Project. After witnessing the devastation that nuclear weapons could unleash, Bohr penned an open letter to the United Nations in 1950. He warned that modern science had placed “formidable means of destruction in the hands of man,” presenting humanity with a grave challenge.

Bohr proposed a standing expert committee attached to an international security organization to monitor scientific advances and recommend control measures. The United Nations took his advice to heart, establishing the International Atomic Energy Agency the same year. Bohr’s advocacy earned him the inaugural Atoms for Peace award in 1957, and his legacy continues to shape discussions on open science and global security.

5 A Letter To King Leopold

George Washington Williams was a man of many talents: a Civil‑War soldier at fourteen, later a pastor, lawyer, publisher, and the first African‑American elected to the Ohio State Legislature. In 1889 he traveled to Belgium and secured an interview with King Leopold II, whose personal colony, the Congo Free State, was touted as a European paradise.

Leopold discouraged Williams from visiting, but the determined journalist went anyway. After witnessing the horrors first‑hand, Williams wrote a scathing open letter in 1890. He described how Congo natives were “forced to labour… with only thirty minutes allowed for eating and recreation,” and how the Belgian administration “burned towns, stole property, enslaved women and children, and committed other crimes too numerous to mention.”

The letter coined the phrase “crimes against humanity,” a term that would not resurface until the Nuremberg Trials. Williams died of tuberculosis at 41, but his bold denunciation cemented his place in human‑rights history. King Leopold’s reign eventually crumbled under international pressure.

4 Open Christmas Letter

In December 1914, British suffragette Emily Hobhouse turned her pen toward the war’s devastation. Publishing in Jus Suffragii, the official organ of the International Woman Suffrage Alliance, she urged women worldwide to remember their shared anguish and to press their governments to halt the bloodshed. Over a hundred women signed the appeal, and a counter‑letter from 155 German and Austrian women followed.

The ripple effect was significant: in January 1915, 3,000 women gathered in Washington to form the Women’s Peace Party, while a conference in The Hague was planned for 28 April. The British government, however, blocked travel for many activists, limiting the movement’s immediate impact. Nonetheless, Hobhouse’s Christmas missive highlighted the power of collective female voices in wartime diplomacy.

3 Open Letter To The Military Junta

Argentine journalist Rodolfo Walsh risked everything by publishing an open letter on 24 March 1977 that condemned the military junta ruling Argentina. The letter listed his personal grievances—censorship, persecution of intellectuals, the razing of his home in Tigre, the murder of friends, and the loss of his daughter—and declared that the regime had entered “a form of absolute, metaphysical torture that is unbounded by time.”

Walsh’s words were essentially a final testament; he was shot dead the next day. By then, around 15,000 Argentine citizens had already “disappeared” under the dictatorship. Walsh’s letter stands as a powerful act of witness, embodying a steadfast commitment to truth even when faced with death.

2 A Call For Unity

Martin Luther King Jr.’s famed “Letter from a Birmingham jail” was a direct response to an open letter from eight Alabama clergymen who, while opposing segregation, urged patience and cautioned against “outsiders” leading demonstrations. Their missive warned that the protests were “unwise and untimely.”

King’s reply turned the tables, arguing that non‑violent direct action creates “constructive, non‑violent tension” necessary for societal growth. He likened the tactic to Socrates’ method of provoking thought, insisting that tension forces a reluctant community to confront injustice. The exchange illustrates how a seemingly modest plea can spark a monumental moral argument.

1 Dear Extortionist

In Sicily, the mafia’s protection racket—known as “pizzo”—was a daily reality for businesses. In 1990, half of Palermo’s merchants paid the levy. Libero Grassi, owner of a successful lingerie factory employing a hundred workers, refused to bow to the mob. On 10 January 1991 he published an open letter in the newspaper Giornale di Sicilia, beginning simply, “Dear extortionist,” and boldly declaring that he would never pay.

The letter made national headlines, and Grassi appeared on television, turning his personal defiance into a public statement. The mafia retaliated: on 29 August 1991 he was shot three times in broad daylight. Although local businesses were too frightened to rally behind him, his martyrdom inspired a growing movement. Today, the anti‑mafia group Addiopizzo counts hundreds of members who display signs of resistance, and many Sicilian shops now openly refuse to pay protection money.

Welcome to a subterranean adventure where the past peeks out from beneath the surface. In this roundup we spotlight 10 formerly secret tunnels that have shed their cloak of mystery and are now welcoming curious travelers. From covert war passages to hidden royal chambers, each corridor tells a story that was once kept under lock and key.

Whether you crave the chill of an underground catacomb, the intrigue of a Cold‑War spy cellar, or the raw grit of a wartime bunker, these tunnels now stand ready for exploration. Grab a flashlight, bring your sense of wonder, and dive into the depths of history that were once hidden from the public eye.

10 Formerly Secret Tunnels Revealed

10 The Third Tunnel of Aggression

North Korea, famed for its isolation and geopolitical tension, surprisingly houses a tourist‑friendly attraction beneath its heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone. The Third Tunnel of Aggression, one of four clandestine passages excavated toward Seoul, was originally presented by Pyongyang as a coal‑mining shaft, though international observers accused it of violating the armistice that ended the Korean War.

When United Nations inspectors uncovered the tunnel, they deemed it a direct breach of the peace agreement, sparking diplomatic friction. North Korean officials, however, insisted the tunnel served civilian purposes, claiming no militaristic intent.

Today, guided tours guide visitors through a dimly lit stretch of the tunnel, allowing a rare glimpse into a covert engineering feat that once threatened the security of the Korean Peninsula.

9 Versailles Secret Quarters

The opulent Palace of Versailles, once the dazzling residence of French royalty, concealed a network of private chambers that offered Queen Marie‑Antoinette a sanctuary from the constant bustle of court life. Disguised within the tapestry‑covered wall of her bedroom, near‑invisible doors opened onto narrow corridors leading to an intimate suite.

This hidden suite comprised a modest library, a private boudoir, and a cozy lounge—spaces where the queen could retreat in secrecy. Historians believe that during the tumult of the French Revolution, Antoinette and her children sought refuge in these concealed rooms as angry peasants stormed the palace.

After extensive restoration work, the once‑inaccessible quarters have been opened to the public, allowing visitors to step inside the hush of royal privacy that survived the storm of revolution.

8 The Shanghai Tunnel

Portland, Oregon’s quirky Chinatown hides an underground labyrinth that earned the moniker “Shanghai Tunnels,” though it bears no relation to the Chinese city. In the late Victorian era, dockworkers and laborers constructed these passageways to slip unseen between saloons, brothels, and illegal gambling dens.

When Prohibition swept the United States in the 1920s, the tunnels reached a fever pitch, serving as covert routes for smuggling alcohol and evading law enforcement. The network expanded throughout the 1930s, weaving beneath the city’s streets.

Today, a variety of tour operators offer guided walks through the tunnels, ranging from historically grounded narratives to spooky ghost‑hunting experiences, letting modern explorers trace the footsteps of Portland’s shadowy past.

7 KGB Cells

The former Soviet Union left behind a chilling legacy of secret police power, embodied by the KGB’s infamous interrogation chambers. In Tallinn, Estonia, a building that now houses luxury apartments once concealed a basement prison where political detainees faced brutal treatment.

During the 1950s, the facility contained cramped cells and torture rooms, with walls sealed in brick to deaden the screams of prisoners. The building’s grim history remained hidden until recent efforts transformed the underground space into a museum.

Now, visitors can descend into the former KGB cells, exploring a stark reminder of the regime’s oppression while honoring the memory of those who endured unimaginable hardship before being dispatched to Siberian gulags or executed.

6 Tunnel of Love

In the Ukrainian town of Klevan, a picturesque railway track has become an iconic photo spot known as the “Tunnel of Love.” Rather than neon lights and mechanized displays, this tunnel is a natural canopy of intertwined trees that frame the tracks in a dreamy, green tunnel.

The verdant archway was deliberately planted during the Cold War to shield military shipments moving along the line from prying eyes. Ironically, the very foliage intended to conceal the route now draws tourists from around the globe seeking its romantic allure.

Today, couples and photographers flock to this serene passage, snapping pictures beneath the leafy tunnel and enjoying a peaceful stroll that blends history, nature, and a touch of romance.

5 Westminster Kingsway Tunnels

London’s skyline may be famed for the London Eye, but beneath its streets lies a newly refurbished wartime shelter known as the Westminster Kingsway Tunnels. Constructed during World War II, the network provided civilians with protection from aerial bombardment.

Recent restoration efforts have transformed the tunnels into a public attraction, featuring a museum and interactive exhibits that recount the experiences of those who sought refuge underground during the Blitz.

Visitors can now wander the historic corridors, gaining insight into the city’s resilience while enjoying a unique subterranean adventure that honors the memories of those who survived the war.

4 The Paris Catacombs

Beneath the romantic streets of Paris lies a macabre labyrinth of bone‑lined chambers known as the Catacombs. First opened to the public in 1809, the ossuary houses the skeletal remains of over six million Parisians, transferred there after the city’s cemeteries became dangerously overcrowded.

Although the catacombs were never a completely secret underground, access was heavily restricted for many years due to the delicate nature of the remains. As curiosity grew, authorities eventually permitted limited public tours, allowing visitors to wander among the stacked skulls and femurs.

Today, the Catacombs stand as one of Paris’s most popular, albeit eerie, attractions, offering a chilling glimpse into the city’s past and a reminder of mortality beneath the City of Light.

3 Chicago Pedway

Chicago’s famously blustery winters inspired the creation of the Pedway, a network of underground walkways that connect streets, subways, and buildings across the downtown core. Spanning roughly 40 blocks, the Pedway lets pedestrians escape rain, snow, and biting wind.

The earliest sections date back to the 1940s, with expansions in the 1950s linking multiple transit lines and commercial spaces. Over time, portions of the system were intermittently closed due to private property restrictions.

Today, the entire Pedway is publicly accessible, providing a climate‑controlled corridor for commuters and tourists alike, ensuring no excuse to stay indoors during Chicago’s infamous winter weather.

2 Chu Chi Tunnels

During the Vietnam War, the Viet Cong engineered an extensive underground maze known as the Chu Chi Tunnels, allowing guerrilla fighters to move unseen beneath the jungle floor. Tens of thousands of miles of narrow passages served as hidden bases for planning attacks, storing supplies, and sheltering troops.

American soldiers later coined the term “tunnel rats” for the brave (or foolhardy) volunteers who crawled through these cramped, booby‑trapped corridors to locate enemy combatants and gather intelligence.

Today, two separate sections of the tunnel system have been restored and opened to the public, offering guided tours that let visitors experience the claustrophobic environment while learning about the ingenuity and resilience of the Viet Cong.

1 Alcatraz Island Tunnels

Alcatraz Island, the notorious former federal prison off San Francisco’s coast, gained a fresh layer of intrigue in 2019 when archaeologists uncovered hidden tunnels beneath the prison yard. These passages, built in the mid‑1800s during the Civil War era, predate the infamous penitentiary that housed criminals like Al Capone.

The discovery confirmed long‑standing theories that the island once functioned as a military fortification, with the tunnels originally serving strategic purposes rather than inmate escape attempts.

While standard tours of Alcatraz do not include these subterranean routes, a special “behind‑the‑scenes” experience grants visitors access to the tunnels, offering a rare glimpse into the island’s layered military and penal history, including a fleeting taste of solitary confinement.

If you’re hunting for heart‑pounding adventures that haven’t been shut down, the 10 perilous hikes listed below prove that danger and beauty can coexist. From sacred Asian summits to remote American canyons, each trail challenges even seasoned trekkers while rewarding them with unforgettable scenery.

Why These 10 Perilous Hikes Keep Adventurers Coming Back

10 Mount Fuji, Japan

Each summer, thousands of climbers set their sights on Mount Fuji’s 12,388‑foot (3,776 m) summit, treating the ascent as both a spiritual pilgrimage and a serious mountain test. Popular routes such as Yoshida and Subashiri see crowds between July and September, and one memorable group of international students launched their climb at midnight, battling 31 mph (50 km/h) gusts and near‑freezing air to catch the sunrise at Goraikō. They shared headlamps, medical kits, and motivational chants along the way. Though the paths are well‑maintained and mountain huts dot the trail every few kilometres, the mountain still hides hazards: altitude sickness can strike above 8,202 feet (2,500 m), sudden storms appear without warning, and the sheer volume of hikers can turn a peaceful climb into a “bullet climb” that leaves participants exhausted and vulnerable.

Today, authorities levy a modest climbing fee, enforce staggered night‑time closures, and strongly advise spending at least one night in a hut perched at 9,843 feet (3,000 m) to aid acclimatization. Essential gear includes layered warm clothing, a waterproof shell, sturdy trekking boots, and a reliable headlamp with spare batteries. Prospective climbers should book hut space well ahead, verify which routes remain open, and pace themselves—aiming for a “climb high, sleep low” strategy when possible, or at the very least inserting frequent rest stops to lower the risk of acute mountain sickness.

9 Cascade Saddle Track, New Zealand

High up in Mount Aspiring National Park, the Cascade Saddle Track climbs to 3,852 feet (1,174 m), rewarding hikers with sweeping panoramas of the 13,232‑foot (4,033 m) Mount Aspiring and glacial valleys below. Yet the route also brings sudden storms, lingering snowfields, and avalanche‑prone couloirs. A pair of trampers learned this the hard way when a late‑spring snowstorm stranded them on the exposed saddle; they survived 36 hours by fashioning a shelter from their tent fly until rescue teams arrived. Because November weather can feel like mid‑winter, the Department of Conservation (DOC) recommends tackling the track during the summer months of January and February, while staying alert to avalanche advisories and local updates.

Beyond a dependable waterproof jacket and sturdy boots, hikers may need crampons and an ice axe well into late January. Navigation calls for topographic maps, a compass or GPS, and backup batteries. Always file an itinerary with DOC rangers, carry at least 4 L of water per person per day, and consider a personal locator beacon. Only experienced trampers with solid alpine skills should attempt this route.

8 Orla Perć (Eagle’s Path), Poland

Orla Perć, perched in the Tatra Mountains, is Europe’s most notorious ridge trail—a 14‑km scramble that stays above 7,546 feet (2,300 m) and features chains, ladders, and sheer 328‑foot (100‑meter) drops. Since the early 1900s, more than a hundred hikers have lost their lives here, including a solo trekker who was caught in a thunderstorm at Zawrat Pass and clung to dripping chains until fellow climbers shared a rope and guided him to safety. These dramatic rescues highlight both the route’s raw difficulty and the tight‑knit community spirit among Tatras adventurers.

Attempt the ridge only between late June and mid‑September, when snow has largely melted and chains are free of ice. Helmets, gloves, sturdy boots, and a via ferrata set (harness and lanyard) are non‑negotiable. Traversing the full ridge takes 10‑12 hours, so start well before dawn. Inexperienced hikers should hire a licensed mountain guide, and everyone must monitor rapidly changing forecasts to avoid being caught in storms above the treeline.

7 Barranco del Infierno, Tenerife, Spain

“Hell’s Gorge” twists through volcanic cliffs for 4 miles (6.5 km) before reaching Tenerife’s highest waterfall, a 656‑foot (200 m) cascade. After a fatal accident in 2009, the trail was closed and later reopened with strict regulations: helmets are mandatory, daily visitor quotas are enforced, and an online entry log tracks each hiker. A family from Madrid reported that their skeptical teenagers were enchanted by endemic flora and the rare Tenerife bluet butterfly, finally cooling off beneath the icy mist of the waterfall. Controlled access (300 hikers per day) and advance reservations keep both safety and the delicate ecosystem in balance.

Trail closures during heavy rain guard against rockfalls, and children under five are prohibited (those under 18 must be supervised by an adult). Hikers should book well ahead, stay on the marked path to protect protected species, and pack out all litter. Clear signage and mandatory safety gear have turned Barranco del Infierno into a thrilling yet responsibly managed adventure.

6 The Maze, Canyonlands NP, USA

The Maze, nestled in Canyonlands National Park, is one of America’s most remote backcountry regions, testing even veteran canyoneers with unmarked routes, scarce water sources, and a rugged 4 × 4 approach that can wash out overnight. One five‑day loop turned into a six‑day ordeal when monsoon‑swollen creek crossings forced improvisation; the party survived by rationing water, camping in a sheltered alcove, and finally using a talus slope to regain their trailhead. Their experience underscores the Maze’s stark beauty and brutal isolation—self‑reliance isn’t optional here.

Success hinges on a high‑clearance 4 × 4 vehicle equipped with recovery gear, multiple navigation tools (satellite GPS, USGS maps), and at least 4 quarts (4 L) of water per person per day with robust filtration. Permits—secured months in advance—must be filed with park rangers, along with a detailed itinerary. Only those with extensive desert‑canyon experience, solid route‑finding skills, and emergency‑ready kits should attempt this labyrinth.

5 Aonach Eagach Ridge, Scotland

The 1.24‑mile (2‑km) Aonach Eagach Ridge in Glen Coe is Britain’s narrowest mainland crest, demanding exposed scrambling over features like the Devil’s Staircase, with no easy escape once committed. Two Munro‑baggers faced dense September mist halfway along; by roping up, wearing helmets, and moving hand‑over‑hand in unison, they navigated to safety near the Glen Coe Cowshed Bothy—demonstrating meticulous planning and teamwork.

Tackle the ridge only in dry conditions; winter ascents require full ice‑axe and crampon proficiency. A party of at least two (ideally three) should carry a 20‑m rope, slings, quickdraws, and helmets. Always consult Mountain Rescue logs for recent incidents, consider hiring a local guide if uncertain, and inform someone of your plans before departure.

4 Half Dome via the Cables Route, Yosemite NP, USA

Half Dome’s iconic cables provide a near‑vertical finale to a 14‑16‑mile trek with 4,800 feet (1,463 m) of elevation gain—an ascent many deem the crown jewel of Yosemite. A Pacific Crest Trail thru‑hiker famously saved it as his “grand finale,” starting at 3 a.m., gripping rust‑proofed steel cables at dawn and summiting in tears of relief, conquering his acrophobia. Yet the cables have claimed lives from falls and lightning strikes, underscoring the need for respect and preparation.

Permits—awarded via lottery from March through October—limit daily ascents; cables typically open late May through mid‑October, weather‑dependent. Essential gear includes leather‑palm gloves, sturdy boots, and 3 quarts (3 L) of water. Climbers must begin pre‑sunrise to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and carry layered clothing for swift temperature changes at higher elevations.

3 Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii, USA

Kauai’s Kalalau Trail threads 11 miles (17.7 km) along the Nā Pali Coast, winding through emerald valleys, beneath towering cliffs, and past hidden waterfalls—yet flash floods and rockslides can turn its beauty terrifying. A family expedition took refuge in a lava‑tube shelter when torrential rains transformed Hanakapiai Beach’s creek into a raging torrent. After boiling creek water for hours, they emerged at dawn to a double rainbow arching over the coast, dubbing it “the beauty after the beast.”

Permits are mandatory beyond mile 2, with camping allowed only at Kalalau Camp to protect fragile ecosystems. Hikers must carry a reliable water filter, a bear‑proof food canister (to deter wild pigs), and an ultralight tent sturdy against coastal winds. Checking weather advisories before and during the trek is vital—stream crossings in high water are often deadly, so patience and caution can mean the difference between an epic journey and tragedy.

2 El Caminito del Rey, Málaga, Spain

Originally carved into sheer limestone walls between 1901 and 1905 to aid dam construction, El Caminito del Rey earned the grim moniker “world’s most dangerous walkway” by the 1990s, prompting its closure in 2000. After a €9 million restoration and five years of engineering, it reopened in 2015 featuring reinforced stainless‑steel walkways, high‑strength guardrails, and even a cantilevered glass‑floored viewpoint.

Access remains tightly controlled: only 300 tickets per day, all reserved online weeks in advance. Visitors must don ASTM‑approved helmets at the entrance and are accompanied by trained guides at a maximum ratio of 1:12. No one under eight is permitted, and hikers follow a one‑way loop that averages 3.5 hours. Opt for autumn or spring weekday mornings for cooler conditions and thinner crowds.

1 Mount Huashan Plank Walk, China

Rising 7,087 feet (2,160 m) above the Wei River valley, Mount Huashan’s plank walk is more than a stunt—it’s a centuries‑old Taoist rite. The modern safety‑harness system, introduced in 2005, retrofitted the narrow wooden planks with rated carabiners and continuous overhead rails, slashing fatal falls from dozens per year to virtually none. Yet each harness checkpoint still logs ascent times, ensuring chains aren’t overcrowded.

Beyond the plank, Huashan offers four stone‑staircase peaks, each crowned by a temple and legend. Cable cars reach the North and West summits, catering to less audacious visitors. Essential gear includes grippy hiking shoes, lightweight gloves, and a small daypack—anything bulkier can swing dangerously on the narrow boards.

Jumping into a lake or ocean seems like a nice way to cool off on a hot day. Or maybe playing in the waves is more your style by taking a long, relaxing swim. Just don’t think about what’s underneath the surface of the water. And definitely don’t forget your life jacket.

Even strong swimmers can fatigue, and suddenly, the open water becomes a danger zone. If you overexert yourself, you could pass out or not have enough strength to get to safety. And more than likely, a rescue is too far out to save you.

Also, when we step into open water, we don’t always think about whose home we’re entering. Wild animals. Oceans, lakes, and rivers are home to many creatures that have been known to attack humans. Open water swimming is more dangerous than people think, and here are 10 accidents that will make you think twice about diving into open water this summer.

10 Amy Martich Drowns During the NYC Triathlon

Amy Martich grew up swimming on her high school swim team in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Lifeguarding was always her summer job growing up. In 2011, at age 40, she drowned while competing in the New York City Triathlon. Another swimmer noticed her body unresponsive, face down in the water, and quickly called for help. She was pronounced dead later that day in the local emergency room.

This was very sudden and traumatic to her family. She was such a strong swimmer; her family had never worried about her swimming in open water. This goes to show that open water swimming can be dangerous even for the best swimmers. It’s no joke.

9 Kevin Frewen Drowns while Abalone Diving

On May 14, 2016, 57-year-old Kevin Frewen stayed under the water too long while abalone diving off the northern coast of California. He was among several friends, but while many of them swam back to their boat to warm up and take a break, stubborn Frewen went off to try to catch abalone.

Frewen went out alone, which is a big no-no in the ocean. Taking a buddy is much safer. His friends found him unresponsive soon after. He probably stayed under the water too long, triggering a heart attack under the water.

Frewen was very fit. He ran every day, coached high school wrestling, and worked a manual labor job. He was very tough, but his stubborn toughness is likely what cost him his life. It’s important to remember not to try to just “tough it out” in open water. Come up or take a break if you think you’re getting fatigued. There’s no shame in being safe rather than sorry.

8 Professional WWE Wrestler Shad Gaspard Drowns at the Beach

In 2020, WWE professional wrestler Shad Gaspard’s body was found at Venice Beach in Los Angeles, California. He had been swimming with his 10-year-old son, Aryeh, when he got caught in a rip current. Lifeguards rescued his son, but Gaspard wasn’t able to be rescued in time.

It’s crazy to think that a day at the beach could end like this. Especially when we think about how he was famous. We often think that famous people are invincible, but they’re not. They are human, just like us, and this could happen to anyone. He was just playing in the waves with his son.

7 Dylan Ramsay’s Shocking Drowning

In 2011, 13-year-old Dylan Ramsay decided to go swimming in Hilltop Quarry to cool off on a hot summer day. He was found and pronounced dead at the scene. His mother has shared that he was a strong swimmer and very athletic. She has become an advocate for teaching people how dangerous open water swimming can be. Ramsay likely suffered from cold water shock, which many people don’t know anything about.

Cold water shock can cause your heart rate to increase and cause heart attacks.

His mother continues to tell Ramsay’s story to warn people about the dangers of open water swimming.

6 The “Jersey Shore Attacks”

In 1916, 28-year-old Charles Vansant was the first of the “Jersey Shore Attacks” that took place that summer. He was out swimming at Beach Haven when a shark attacked him. He was swimming with a dog that had been on the beach, so when people heard him screaming, they thought he was yelling at the dog. In actuality, he was being attacked by a shark. His leg was bitten, causing him to die of blood loss later that day.

Three other people were attacked on the Jersey Shore between June 1 and 12 in 1916, resulting in four deaths and one injury. Sightings of great white sharks and bull sharks were reported that week, so these are likely the species responsible for these attacks.

The ocean has dangerous animals that should cause you to think twice before taking a casual swim. Anything can happen.

5 Irene Chan’s Sea Lion Attack

In 2018, Irene Chan was attacked by a sea lion while swimming at Aquatic Park in San Francisco. She had been a frequent open water swimmer in the area for thirty years. In 2018 though, she was out swimming when a sea lion started swimming directly beneath her and then bit her knee.

She survived the attack but is very lucky. Had the sea lion nicked a tendon or artery, this could have been a very different story. Though cute and looking seemingly harmless, wild animals can be dangerous. They are called wild for a reason.

4 U.S. National Team Member, Fran Crippen, Drowns During a Race

In 2010, 26-year-old U.S. National Swimming Team member Fran Crippen was competing in an open water race in the United Arab Emirates. He had told his coach earlier in the day that he wasn’t feeling very well yet decided to compete anyway.

All the other swimmers made it in, but Crippen still hadn’t been seen. Some of the other swimmers went back to look for him. They found his body near the last buoy. He was unconscious. It is likely that he over-exerted himself and then drowned. The water was reportedly in the 26.7°C (80°F) range, so many swimmers felt heat exhaustion after the race. He has pronounced dead at the hospital soon after.

This shows us how dangerous open water swimming can be even for professional swimmers. Had Crippen been in a pool, he would have been rescued, but because he was in open water, no one was around him, resulting in his tragic death.

3 Santhosh Heddese Drowns at Kipu Falls in Hawaii

In June 2011, 35-year-old Santhosh Heddesse from Irvine, California, was vacationing in Hawaii. He decided to visit a popular tourist stop, the Kipu Falls Swimming Hole. This is a well-known spot to jump in and cool off on the island of Kauai. Heddesse jumped in and got sucked back into the water by a powerful current and could not make it back to land. He drowned and was found at the bottom of the pool an hour later.

This spot had five deaths in the five years leading up to Heddesse’s death. This has raised the question if there is a whirlpool current in this swimming hole. Perhaps this is not a great place for tourists to visit for a swim while on the island.

2 George Wendt’s Shocking Death

George Wendt, a 73-year-old high school teacher, drowned on September 11, 2021, during the 30th Annual Big Shoulders Open Water Classic. Around the 800 block of the race, Wendt was found unresponsive. He was then taken to the local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Wendt was a lifelong swimmer, so this was a huge shock to everyone who knew him. He was the president of the Chicago Masters Swim Club and had competed in the 2018 U.S. Masters Swimming Spring National Championships. He was also in his high school’s Hall of Fame for swimming.

His death was ruled an accidental drowning. This should be a lesson to all of us of just how dangerous open water swimming can be, even for strong swimmers. It shouldn’t be so casual.

1 Bethany Hamilton’s Famous Shark Attack

Perhaps one of the most well-known animal attacks is Bethany Hamilton’s. Multiple films and documentaries have been made about Hamilton. On Halloween of 2003, 13-year-old Hamilton was surfing with her friend at Tunnels Beach, Kauai. While taking a break, she was lying on her surfboard when a tiger shark attacked her, biting off her left arm. She lost 60% of her blood and almost died. Luckily, she was rushed to the hospital fast enough and survived the attack.

Hamilton was a nationally ranked surfer and very comfortable in the water. She had been surfing at this beach many times before. Hamilton’s spunk and tenacious attitude did not stop her from returning to the water. She still surfs, but now with her children and husband.

While Hamilton’s type of attack is very rare, it does happen. The ocean is a dangerous place, so you’d better stay alert and be careful as you adventure in the deep blue this summer.