10 Spooky Phantom Vehicle Tales From Around The World

In 1738 Princess Augusta, a 220-ton British vessel, left the shores of Rotterdam and headed for Philadelphia. On board were 240 German-Palatine immigrants hoping to start a new life in America. Sadly it was not to be. Contaminated water on board the ship led to the deaths of 200 passengers, half of the crew as well as the captain.

Things went from bad to worse as the survivors had to endure heavy storms and food started running out. Three months into the tumultuous journey, Princess Augusta was wrecked at Sandy Point, Block Island. First mate, Andrew Brook and the surviving crew members got into the longboat and rowed to shore, abandoning the remaining passengers.

Eventually persuaded by locals to go back for them, Brook returned to the ship and brought the few who were still alive to Block Island. 20 died and were buried on the island. Another version of the story says that the island residents used a false light to lure the ship to the shore whereafter they robbed the passengers and murdered them. They then set the ship on fire and let her drift out to sea.

It is said that one passenger, Mary Vanderline, lost her mind and refused to leave the ship. Now her terrified screams echo over the island every year. Also every year between Christmas and New Year’s eve, residents witness a mysterious light out at sea that they firmly believe belongs to the now-spectral Princess Augusta forever trying to remain afloat in rough waters. And if they look closely, they can see the outline of a massive ship engulfed in flames, but never reaching the shore.