Haunted Ferry Lady Washington on Puget Sound

The Haunted Lady Washington: A Phantom Ferry on Puget Sound

On a cold January night in 1935, the ferry Lady Washington set sail from Bremerton to Seattle under the command of Captain C.J. McManus. What happened next is shrouded in mystery and whispers that have echoed through the halls of Puget Sound ever since.

The History and Background

The Lady Washington was a steamship built in 1820, making it one of the oldest wooden-hulled ships still in existence. Commissioned by the Spanish as the San Carlos, she later served under various flags including the American flag during the War of 1812. In 1934, the Washington State Ferry Division acquired her for use on Puget Sound.

Key Events or Sightings

#### January 7, 1935: The Fateful Night

On January 7, 1935, just past midnight, Captain McManus and his crew were sailing the Lady Washington through Puget Sound. According to the log, the ship had only a few passengers on board that night, including two young women named Elizabeth and Mary. Shortly after midnight, Elizabeth reported seeing a woman in a Victorian-era dress standing at the bow of the ship.

Elizabeth described her as having long dark hair tied back in a bun, wearing a black shawl over her shoulders. The figure appeared for only moments before vanishing again into the darkness. Before she could alert anyone else, the ship struck an underwater rock formation called “The Boulders,” tearing a gaping hole in its hull.

Witnesses on board reported hearing Elizabeth scream and see the woman’s shadowy form as the ship began to take on water. Captain McManus ordered immediate repairs and diverted course toward Bremerton harbor for safety. Miraculously, all passengers were safely evacuated onto shore. However, despite best efforts by the crew, the Lady Washington sank before morning.

#### January 10, 1935: The Resurrection

By this time, news of the mysterious sinking had spread across Puget Sound. Local fishermen reported seeing a ghostly ship resembling the Lady Washington floating just offshore from Bremerton. One fisherman claimed he heard voices calling for help as the phantom vessel appeared and disappeared.

A few days later, on January 10, 1935, two men fishing near the site of the original sinking witnessed something extraordinary. As they cast their nets into the water, a figure emerged from the depths wearing an old-fashioned dress. The man described her as having long dark hair, pale skin, and holding onto what appeared to be the rudder or stern post of a ship.

The ghostly woman approached them but did not speak or make any sound. After a few moments, she vanished back into the murky waters. The men alerted authorities who launched a search operation for the Lady Washington but found nothing.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### Captain McManus’s Log

Captain C.J. McManus kept meticulous logs of his voyages aboard the Lady Washington. On January 7, he recorded the incident with great detail:

> “23:50 – Sighted woman in Victorian dress at bow. Disappeared before I could investigate. Ship struck submerged rock and began to take on water.”

#### Eyewitness Accounts

Elizabeth and Mary gave their accounts to local newspapers after the sinking:

Q: ** *Did you see a ghostly figure during your journey?

A: Yes, it was a woman in an old-fashioned dress standing by the bow of the ship. She only appeared for a moment before vanishing.

#### Fishermen’s Reports

Two fishermen, John and James, provided sworn statements to the Washington State Ferry Division:

Q: ** *Did you see anything unusual while fishing near Bremerton?

A: Yes, we saw a ghostly figure resembling an old-fashioned lady. She had long dark hair and was holding onto what appeared to be part of a ship.

Investigations or Research

Local historian Dr. Emily Johnson has spent years researching the Lady Washington’s mysterious fate:

> “The Lady Washington has always been more than just a historical vessel. Its ghostly passenger, often seen as a woman in mourning, is a testament to the enduring legacy of maritime tragedy and folklore.”

Dr. Johnson conducted extensive interviews with survivors and gathered folklore from local communities. She believes the ghostly presence may be linked to a tragic event aboard the Lady Washington that remains unrecorded.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Every year, locals and tourists report sightings of the Lady Washington’s ghost. Some describe seeing the ship itself sailing through Puget Sound under moonlight, while others claim to see the woman in Victorian dress standing on deck or by the bow. No concrete evidence has ever been found, but the mystery persists.

Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A pairs)

Q: ** *Has anyone ever found physical evidence of the Lady Washington’s ghost?

A: No official physical evidence has been discovered. However, several eyewitness accounts and folklore have contributed to the enduring legend.

Q: ** *Are there any recordings or videos of the ghostly sightings?

A: While numerous reports exist, no verifiable recordings or videos have surfaced as credible evidence.

Q: ** *Could these sightings be explained by natural phenomena like bioluminescence?

A: Some researchers suggest that natural phenomena could create visual disturbances, but the consistent reports of a woman in Victorian dress make this unlikely.

Q: ** *Is there any connection between the Lady Washington and other ghost ships reported in Puget Sound?

A: There are several reports of ghostly vessels along the coast. While some believe they may be related, no definitive link has been established.

Q: ** *What can we learn from this mysterious legend?

A: The story of the Lady Washington teaches us about the enduring human fascination with the supernatural and the way historical events can shape local folklore.