There was a ghost ship sighting back in 1917 where twelve boats left port, but thirteen boats were counted in the water. The boats were attacked by the Germans and several of them sunk, except for the 13th boat that continued to sail on.
Unlucky No. 13 Made Up By “Ghost Ship”
Article in Grants Pass Daily Courier. March 5, 1919.
London, Mar. 5. — Among the war stories that British naval men feel free to tell now is one about a “ghost ship” whose mystery has never been solved.
In 1917, a convoy of 12 ships left a British port. At dawn on the day after sailing the escort commander discovered 13 ships under his charge. While the identity of the extra ship was being discussed, the convoy was suddenly attacked by German light cruisers and most of the escort and nine of the merchantmen were sunk. The Germans then made off.
Survivors positively assert that there were 13 ships and that the mysterious vessel disappeared as strangely as she had appeared. They are certain that the ship was not sunk. Official inquiries failed to throw any light on the nature of the craft. It was ascertained that she could not have been a disguised German raider, and her presence was “logged” by the escort commander.
