Serrana Bank
Categories: Geography of Colombia
The Serrana Bank is a mostly underwater reef about 50km long and 13 km wide upon which lie cays and islets, the most prominent of which is Southwest Cay. Serrana Bank is Colombian territory, though it was claimed and occupied by the United States until 1981. A former base for the US military, they are now mostly visited by lobster fishermen.
Serrana Bank is believed to be named after the Spanish castaway Pedro Serrano. It was first shown on a Dutch map in 1545 with this name. They were mapped more extensively by the British in 1660. On September 8, 1972, the United States and Colombia signed a treaty recognizing the latter's sovereignty over Quita Sueño Bank, Roncador Cay and Serrana Bank. This treaty became effective September 17, 1981.