Seattle’s Tall Ship Presents: Phantoms of the Sea – Ghost Boats of Puget Sound
As we conclude our journey through the haunted maritime history of the Pacific Northwest, we turn our attention to the spectral vessels that have haunted the waters of Puget Sound for generations. From mysterious lights on the horizon to ghostly ships appearing out of the fog, the legends of the Ghost Boats of Puget Sound are some of the most enduring and eerie tales of the region. In this final chapter of “Seattle’s Tall Ship Presents: Phantoms of the Sea,” we explore these haunting stories and the strange phenomena that continue to be reported to this day.
the Ghost Boats of Puget Sound
Phantom Ships and Mysterious Lights
The waters of Puget Sound have long been the stage for strange and unexplained occurrences. Sailors, fishermen, and even casual observers have reported seeing ghostly ships gliding silently across the Sound, often vanishing as quickly as they appeared. These sightings are often accompanied by an eerie glow—lights that flicker and fade just beyond the horizon, too distant to identify and too persistent to dismiss.
One of the earliest recorded sightings dates back to the late 1800s when a group of fishermen near Vashon Island claimed to have seen an old schooner, seemingly abandoned, drifting aimlessly through the fog. As they approached, the ship vanished, leaving no trace behind. The fishermen, experienced men of the sea, swore they had seen a real vessel, but when a search of the area turned up nothing, they began to believe they had encountered a ghost ship.
Another well-known sighting occurred in the early 1900s when a passenger ferry crossing from Bremerton to Seattle reported seeing a brightly lit ship that appeared to be on a collision course. The crew prepared for impact, but just as the ship was about to strike, it disappeared into the mist. The ferry’s captain, visibly shaken, described the ship as an old steamer, but no vessels matching that description were reported in the area at the time.
Theories Behind the Phantom Vessels
Over the years, numerous theories have emerged to explain the ghost boats of Puget Sound. Some believe these sightings are the result of optical illusions—a phenomenon known as Fata Morgana, where atmospheric conditions cause distant objects, like ships, to appear distorted and closer than they actually are. This mirage effect could explain why some ghost ships seem to appear out of nowhere and then vanish just as quickly.
Others suggest that the ghost boats could be residual hauntings, a concept in paranormal theory that suggests certain events, particularly those involving tragedy or strong emotions, can leave an imprint on the physical world. In the case of Puget Sound, ships lost to the sea in violent storms or accidents may be “replaying” their final moments, with their images and sounds manifesting to those who are in the right place at the right time.
A popular local legend also ties these sightings to the many shipwrecks that have occurred in the Sound’s treacherous waters. Over the centuries, dozens of vessels have been claimed by Puget Sound, their wrecks resting on the seabed, hidden from view. Some believe the ghost boats are the spirits of these lost ships, continuing their voyages long after their physical forms have decayed beneath the waves.
Notable Ghost Boat Sightings
One of the most famous ghost boat stories in the region involves the SS Valencia, a steamship that sank off the coast of Vancouver Island in 1906, taking over 100 lives with her. In the years following the disaster, sailors reported seeing a phantom ship resembling the Valencia, drifting near the site of the wreck. One particularly chilling sighting occurred in 1933 when a lifeboat from the Valencia was found washed ashore—still intact after 27 years at sea. Despite the condition of the lifeboat, no bodies or signs of life were found, deepening the mystery.
Closer to Seattle, the Ferryboat Flyer has been the subject of several ghostly sightings. The Flyer, a well-known vessel that operated in the early 20th century, was involved in a deadly accident in 1915 when it collided with a tugboat, resulting in the deaths of several passengers. In the years since, there have been numerous reports of a phantom ferry resembling the Flyer, seen gliding through the fog near Bainbridge Island. Witnesses describe hearing the faint sounds of a ship’s bell and distant voices, as though the passengers aboard are still waiting to complete their journey.
Another eerie account comes from the crew of a cargo ship passing through the Strait of Juan de Fuca in the 1940s. According to the crew, they encountered a three-masted schooner, partially submerged but still upright, drifting silently through the water. As they approached, the schooner appeared to vanish, leaving only the ripples in the water behind. The crew searched for wreckage or survivors but found nothing. Some believe the schooner was one of the many vessels lost in the waters near the Strait, its ghostly image doomed to sail forever.
Ghostly Whispers on the Water
The ghost boats of Puget Sound remain a mystery to this day. Whether they are optical illusions, the remnants of tragic shipwrecks, or something more supernatural, the sightings continue to captivate the imaginations of those who venture out onto the water. These phantom vessels remind us that the sea is a place of untold stories and unseen forces, where the past can resurface when we least expect it.
For those curious to experience the allure of the Sound, Seattle’s Tall Ship offers the perfect opportunity. Join us for a Seattle sunset sail, where you can take in the beauty of Puget Sound while pondering the mysteries that lie beneath its surface. As the sun dips below the horizon and the mist begins to form, you might just catch a glimpse of one of these ghostly ships—a fleeting shadow on the water, a reminder that the sea never truly forgets.
With this final tale, we conclude our journey through the Phantoms of the Sea. From the tragic tale of the Lady Lovibond to the enduring mystery of the Mary Celeste, and from the haunting of the SS Dix to the ghost boats of Puget Sound, these stories remind us of the powerful connection between the sea and the supernatural. Thank you for joining us on this voyage through maritime history’s most chilling legends.
Dare to Sail into the Unknown?
This Halloween season, step aboard Seattle’s Tall Ship’s, the Bay Lady, for a voyage into mystery and legend. As the mist rolls in over Elliott Bay, you’ll sail through waters haunted by the echoes of history, where ghost ships like the Lady Lovibond and the Mary Celeste once prowled. Feel the chill of the open sea as you experience the eerie beauty of tall ship sailing, with the Seattle skyline fading into the fog.
Will you encounter a phantom of the sea? There’s only one way to find out…