The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

PHANTOM SHIP (HEXED SHIP)

A SHIP IN THE BRITISH ROYAL FLEET WAS BUILT GOING AGAINST
ALL SUPERSTITIONS. THEY DID EVERYTHING CONTRARY TO LUCK
BELIEFS TO PROVE THAT THE SUPERSTITIONS WERE NOT VALID.
THEY DID EVERYTHING WRONG--PUT A WOMAN ABOARD SHIP,
WHISTLED ON BOARD, LAUNCHED HER DRY--EVERYTHING. THEY
THOUGHT THAT THEY'S PROVE, ONCE AND FOR ALL, THAT THE
SUPERSTITIONS WERE RIDICULOUS. SO THE SHIP WAS LAUNCHED
AND SENT ON HER MAIDEN VOYAGE AND SHE WAS NEVER HEARD
FROM AGAIN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 01-00-1972