10 Spooky Phantom Vehicle Tales From Around The World
3. El Caleuche
When a thick fog envelops the island of Chiloé and the tide recedes, the wind picks up voices and strains of music and carries it over the mist. As the sounds grow louder, the air becomes chillier and suddenly a large shape looms in the blue sea just off the island.
Those who stick around will see the shape transform into El Caleuche, a stunning white ship with sparkling lights and a lively party onboard. El Caleuche is a Chilean ghost ship said to be inhabited by a resurrected crew who were given a second chance to sail the oceans.
Other versions of the tale says the beautiful ship has the soul of a siren, luring fishermen aboard only to trap them forever. It is also said that El Caleuche’s ghostly crew is actually a group of warlocks who trade wealth for favors. In Chile, when someone becomes rich overnight, it is believed that the person made a deal with a warlock on the ship.
People can try and resist the enchanting music of the ship after seeing her sail on the open water, but according to legend they will be turned into sea lions or seals if they do.