Port Royal The Wickedest City Drowned by Earthquake | Empire with Michael Portillo

Port Royal's infamous pirate den destroyed by catastrophic tsunami

Port Royal, Jamaica — the Original Sin City On June 7th, 1692, an earthquake and tsunami dragged half the pirate capital straight into the sea. Taverns, brothels, storehouses, and entire streets sank within seconds… a real-life Atlantis built on rum, gold, and sin. For centuries, the underwater city slept in silence—until legendary underwater archaeologist Bob Marx helped bring its story back to the surface. Marx’s dives uncovered streets and foundations frozen in time, along with pipes, pottery

🏴‍☠️🌊 Port Royal Rises Once the “Wickedest City on Earth,” Port Royal bustled with pirates, merchants, and adventure. But in 1692, a massive earthquake and tsunami sent much of the city sinking beneath the sea. Last night at Grand Gala 2025, dancers, music, and storytelling brought its daring history to life in celebration of its new status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. | Jamaica Cultural Development Commission ( JCDC)