Observations of an early Agulhas current retroflection event in 2001: A temporary cessation of inter-ocean exchange south of Africa?

► A very early retroflection of the Agulhas current was formed after shedding off three Agulhas rings. ► This retracted retroflection moved west in the following 5 months without ring shedding. ► The subsurface retroflection agrees with RS images of SST and SSH. ► The Agulhas retroflection extends to a depth of at least 750 m, and likely deeper. ► The early retroflection is a scarce and contingent phenomenon, mainly governed by chance.