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A ghost ship is a ship that appears to be abandoned and without a crew. These mysterious vessels often drift aimlessly in the ocean, giving off an eerie and haunting aura. Ghost ships can be the result of various circumstances, such as shipwrecks, piracy, or mysterious disappearances. They have been a source of legends and folklore, often associated with supernatural events and ghostly sightings. Some famous examples include the Mary Celeste and the Flying Dutchman. Ghost ships continue to capture the imagination and curiosity of people, adding to the mystique and allure of the sea.
Have you ever encountered a specter? Or do you even have faith in their existence? Spirits are a captivating subject to discuss with friends, especially during the Halloween season. And numerous individuals assert to have witnessed apparitions. Their tales have captivated people’s attention (and given them a scare!) for countless years.
Nevertheless, the term “ghost” doesn’t always refer to a floating entity draped in a bedsheet. Sometimes, individuals refer to ghost towns, which are deserted towns that no longer have inhabitants. You may have also come across ghost peppers. But have you ever heard of ghost ships?
Are ghost ships the phantoms of long-gone vessels that haunt the vast oceans? Well, not exactly. A ghost ship is more akin to a ghost town. A ghost ship is one that is discovered without a crew or passengers. While most ghost ships embark on their journeys with people on board, they are later observed sailing along uninhabited.
How is this possible? Wouldn’t a ship without a crew sink rather quickly? You might assume so, but that’s not always the case. Throughout history, sightings of ghost ships have occurred many months or even years after their crews abandoned them.
One instance is the SS Baychimo. This steamship was abandoned after becoming trapped in ice in 1931. However, the ship eventually broke free on its own and was regularly spotted floating in Alaska during the 1930s. The last sighting of the SS Baychimo was in 1969. It had survived 38 years without a crew.
Some ghost ships are even more enigmatic. One of the most renowned mysteries involving a ghost ship is that of the Mary Celeste. This vessel was discovered in the Atlantic Ocean. Its passengers—the captain, his family, and seven crew members—were missing. The Mary Celeste was still well-stocked with provisions. It had taken on some water but was still capable of sailing. To this day, the fate of the passengers remains a mystery.
Some ghost ships don’t even begin their journeys with passengers. During the 2001 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the Ryuo-Un Maru drifted away. It was believed to be lost until a year later when it was found unmanned, floating near Alaska.
But perhaps the most puzzling ghost ship of them all is the notorious Ourang Medan. In 1947, a chilling distress call attracted the ship Silver Star to the Ourang Medan. When crew members of the Silver Star boarded the other ship, they discovered that all of its crew members had perished.
What happened to the crew of the Ourang Medan? It remains a mystery to this day. Some speculate that the supernatural was involved. Others believe they fell victim to pirates. Another popular theory is that they suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Whatever the truth may be, it now lies at the bottom of the sea. Shortly after its discovery, the Ourang Medan exploded. The crew of the Silver Star narrowly escaped in time. Later, many of them claimed that the explosion was so powerful that it lifted the Ourang Medan into the air before it sank.
The true events that occurred on the Ourang Medan and other ghost ships may always remain a mystery. However, this doesn’t deter people from attempting to uncover the truth. The enigma of ghost ships, like the Ourang Medan, captivates many individuals who eagerly anticipate the next unexplained phenomenon to wash ashore.
Give it a Try
To indulge your curiosity, enlist the assistance of a friend or family member in engaging with the following activities:
- If you’re in the mood for a ghostly tale, read about the legend of the Flying Dutchman. What moral do you believe this story is attempting to convey? Discuss your thoughts with a friend or family member.
- Delve deeper into the history of the Mary Celeste. Afterwards, share your newfound knowledge with a friend or family member. What aspects of this ghost ship intrigued you the most? What are the potential explanations?
- Picture yourself sailing with your family on a beautiful spring day. Suddenly, you spot something on the horizon. It’s another ship! As you draw nearer, it becomes apparent that you’ve stumbled upon a ghost ship. What comes next? Where did the crew vanish to? Can you uncover any clues about what occurred? Compose a story detailing your adventure.
Sources of Wonder
- https://allthatsinteresting.com/creepiest-ghost-ships#16 (accessed 25 Sept. 2019)
- https://www.rd.com/culture/ghost-ships/ (accessed 25 Sept. 2019)
- https://www.beyondsciencetv.com/2017/07/31/the-ourang-medan-the-mystery-of-the-deadliest-ghost-ship-in-history/ (accessed 25 Sept. 2019)
- https://www.historicmysteries.com/ourang-medan/ (accessed 25 Sept. 2019)
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