The Carroll A. Deering is one of the most enduring mysteries in maritime history, often referred to as a “ghost ship”. This five-masted schooner was found aground and abandoned near Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, in January 1921. To this day, the disappearance of its crew and the strange circumstances surrounding its discovery have baffled historians and inspired numerous theories, from piracy to supernatural involvement.
This article delves into the history of the ship, the events leading to its abandonment, and the various explanations proposed for its mysterious fate.
History of the Carroll A. Deering
- Built: 1919, Bath, Maine, by G.G. Deering Company.
- Type: Five-masted commercial schooner.
- Purpose: Transporting cargo, primarily coal and other goods along the East Coast and to international ports.
- Final Voyage: Departed Norfolk, Virginia, on September 8, 1920, bound for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with a load of coal.
The ship was captained by William H. Merritt, a seasoned mariner, accompanied by a crew of 10 men. However, due to illness, Merritt and his son (the first mate) left the ship in Delaware, and Captain W.B. Wormell took over.
The Mysterious Journey
1. Arrival in Brazil
- The ship arrived safely in Rio de Janeiro in December 1920. Captain Wormell reportedly delivered the cargo without incident.
- Wormell was well-liked and described as competent, though he confided to acquaintances in Brazil that he distrusted his crew, particularly the first mate, Charles McLellan.
2. Return Voyage
- The Carroll A. Deering departed Rio in December 1920, bound for its home port in the United States. However, its movements soon became puzzling:
- January 28, 1921: The ship was sighted by the lightship keeper at Cape Lookout Lightship, North Carolina. The keeper noted that a crew member (not the captain) reported the ship had lost its anchors. The crew appeared disorganized and possibly distressed.
- This was the last confirmed sighting of the Carroll A. Deering under command.
Discovery of the Ghost Ship
On January 31, 1921, the Carroll A. Deering was found aground on Diamond Shoals, a notorious area near Cape Hatteras known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.”
Strange Findings:
- The ship was completely abandoned.
- Missing Items:
- All lifeboats were gone.
- Navigational equipment, logbooks, and personal belongings were missing.
- Untouched Supplies:
- Food was prepared in the galley, suggesting the crew had left abruptly.
- The ship’s cargo of coal was intact, ruling out theft as the primary motive.
The U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities conducted a preliminary investigation but found no signs of struggle or clear evidence to explain the abandonment.
Theories Behind the Mystery
Over the years, numerous theories have been proposed to explain the fate of the crew and the ship’s abandonment:
1. Piracy
- Proponents’ Argument: In the early 20th century, piracy was still a threat along shipping routes. Pirates could have seized the ship, looted valuables, and killed or captured the crew.
- Challenges: The cargo and food stores were untouched, which seems inconsistent with pirate motives.
2. Mutiny
- Proponents’ Argument: Captain Wormell’s mistrust of his crew, particularly the first mate, suggests possible tension. A mutiny could have led the crew to abandon the captain and scuttle the ship.
- Challenges: No evidence of violence or mutiny was found aboard.
3. Weather and Natural Disasters
- Proponents’ Argument: A powerful storm could have forced the crew to abandon ship. The area around Cape Hatteras is known for dangerous weather and rough seas.
- Challenges: Weather records from the time do not indicate any catastrophic storms in the area during the ship’s final days.
4. Supernatural or Paranormal Events
- Proponents’ Argument: The “Graveyard of the Atlantic” has a long history of shipwrecks, and some attribute these to supernatural forces or curses. Tales of ghost ships and Bermuda Triangle-like phenomena are common in maritime lore.
- Challenges: These explanations are speculative and lack evidence.
5. Soviet or Political Sabotage
- Proponents’ Argument: The ship’s disappearance occurred during a time of political tension following the Russian Revolution. Some theorists suggest communist agents could have sabotaged the ship.
- Challenges: This theory is largely circumstantial and lacks supporting evidence.
6. U-Boat Attack
- Proponents’ Argument: Even after World War I, German U-boats (submarines) were occasionally active in the Atlantic. A rogue U-boat might have attacked the Carroll A. Deering.
- Challenges: Again, there is no physical evidence of an attack.
Impact of the Mystery
The case of the Carroll A. Deering captivated public attention and remains a significant maritime mystery. It has been extensively studied and debated, featuring in books, documentaries, and even conspiracy theories.
Cultural Legacy
- The story of the ship inspired comparisons to other ghost ship tales, such as the Mary Celeste.
- It contributed to the mystique of the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” cementing its reputation as a region of maritime lore.
Conclusion
The ghost ship Carroll A. Deering remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in maritime history. Despite extensive investigations, no definitive explanation has ever been found for the ship’s abandonment or the fate of its crew. Whether it was piracy, mutiny, natural disaster, or something more mysterious, the story of the Carroll A. Deering continues to intrigue and haunt imaginations, a testament to the enduring allure of the unknown.