Explaining the Phantom Ship

Although ghost stories and lore seem to be the defining factors regarding the Phantom Ship, there are many who believe that a scientific explanation could explain all of the stories and sightings throughout the years. Although nothing has been proved, and little research has been done, there are still those who doubt the "ghost ship" theory and are searching for a scientific explanation for the phenomenon.

It has been theorized that perhaps underwater coal beds were releasing methane gas which would then ignite on the surface, causing flames which, in the dark of night, would appear to be a three-masted ship.

Could it also be marine phosphorescence, heatless light generated chemically by marine plants and animals? There are many marine creatures, from bacteria to giant squid, which exhibit bioluminescence - - the production and emission of light by a living organism as the result of a chemical reaction during which chemical energy is converted to light energy. However, the light produced by these organisms is generally light blue to green rather than the flaming red colors generally seen on the horizon off Nova Scotia.

One theory that may be a bit more on target is that of the will-o'-the-wisps – -spooky or ghostly lights oftentimes seen over bogs at twilight. You may have heard of these in various books and movies including "The Neverending Story." However, what has been seen is different from fictional details. These real lights resemble a flickering lamp, and will appear to recede if approached. They are often called spooklights or ghostlights by folklorists or paranormal enthusiasts, but they do have a common scientific explanantion - - the oxidation of hydrogen phosphide and methane gases produced by decaying organic material. Experiments have replicated lights similar to the will-o'-the-wisps by adding chemicals to the gases formed by rotting compounds. Could decaying matter create such ghostly lights?