On a cold night on January 11, 1886, the Crissie Wright sailed into a heavy winter storm as the little town of Diamond City watched in disbelief from the shore. Many residents gathered along the sand at the edge of the Atlantic with fires lit to welcome the crew, but the ocean was just too frigid that night, as wave after wave tore at the vessel.
One wave after another battered the ship, eventually breaking it apart. The crew attempted to launch the lifeboats, but the wind, cold, and rough waters proved too much for the men, as ice formed on their beards and across the frozen deck.
Captain Collins and two mates died after being swallowed by the dark waters, as the other men screamed for mercy, and the crowd from the beach watched. Unfortunately, the townspeople could only wait until morning and attempt a rescue mission to save those who remained alive.
All night, the ocean continued to batter the boat, ripping the planking and the ship apart, piece by piece.
Early the following day, after the rescuers reached the site, four sailors were discovered wrapped in the mainsail canvas on what remained of the ship. Three froze to death, and only the portly cook lived, but he was never well again, physically or mentally.
Since the bitter winter of 1886, people living along the shore, within the Outer Banks, have reported seeing the ghost ship sailing in the afterlife on wild, stormy nights. Her crew fights for survival, and the sounds of the doomed boat can be heard in the distance.
Written By: John G. Clark Jr.
Source: Haunted North Carolina. Patty A. Wilson. Pgs. 10, 11, 12