The Atlas Obscura Podcast Beach Week: Shipwrecked Doritos (Classic)
Jul 28, 2025
Discover the peculiar shipwrecks along the Outer Banks, including a memorable 2006 incident involving Doritos that turned a beach day into a local spectacle. Hear fascinating stories about maritime tragedies like Theodosia Burr’s ill-fated Patriot. Learn about the community’s resourcefulness in salvaging treasures from the sea and the quirky impact of the Doritos on local businesses. This journey unmasks the unexpected connections between maritime history and the whimsical nature of beach culture.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Doritos Shipwreck Incident
- In 2006, a container ship lost thousands of bags of Doritos off the Outer Banks.
- Fishermen found the cargo, which then washed ashore, creating a quirky local event known as the "shipwreck."
Outer Banks' Dangerous Geography
- The Outer Banks are narrow, shifting sand islands exposed to dangerous waters where many ships have sunk.
- The unpredictable shoals and collision of currents create hazardous conditions for navigation.
The Disappearance of Theodosia Burr
- The shipwreck of the schooner Patriot vanished mysteriously in 1814 with Aaron Burr's daughter onboard.
- A single portrait from the ship later surfaced in Nags Head, adding to local maritime mysteries.