Abandoned ‘Ghost Ship’ Washes Ashore On The Florida Beach

A sailboat known as the “ghost ship” washed ashore on a Florida Panhandle beach on June 18, leaving its Texas owner with substantial financial losses.

The boat, named “The Lady Catherine III,” belonged to 39-year-old Michael Barlow, who had recently purchased it with plans to sail around the world.

On May 21, Barlow set sail from Fort Pierce, Florida, intending to dock in Rockport, Texas.

However, extreme weather cut short the trip, including high winds and waves that eventually became Hurricane Alberto.

On June 1, the Coast Guard rescued Barlow and his companion after being stranded at sea 190 miles south of Panama City.

The sailboat, unmanned and damaged by weather conditions, was seen drifting near Pensacola Beach.

Francine Farrar, a 46-year-old Meridian, Mississippi resident, recalled an unusual sight: “I saw this tattered sailboat. It looked ghostly, just coming in.”

The boat immediately became a local interest, receiving the nickname “ghost ship.”

Video Credits: NEWS CENTER Maine/YouTube

He described the dangerous circumstances that led to their rescue, stating that they went through storms one after another, and then the last storm just hit them and exploded his front headsails.”

Despite the difficult decision to abandon the $80,000 boat, Barlow prioritized his partner’s safety.

Barlow now faces a difficult decision to either spend $28,000 to have the ship removed and demolished or potentially pay more for repairs.

Failure to relocate the vessel may be a third-degree felony punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and imprisonment.

Faith Fawn, spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said Barlow has 30 days to comply with the restrictions.

Despite the setback, Barlow is determined to travel the world by sea. He added that this incident won’t affect his desire to continue sailing and that he admires the ocean.

Barlow is currently seeking a resolution with state and local officials to determine the fate of “The Lady Catherine III.”

Reference: NBC News, NY Post

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Source: Maritime Shipping News